Sports key to curbing drug abuse: Himachal minister Yadvinder Goma

Emphasising the Himachal Government’s commitment to promoting sports, Minister Yadvinder Goma on Tuesday said encouraging sports and sportspersons would not only nurture talent but also serve as an effective tool to combat drug abuse among the youth.

He was addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the 22nd All India Dr YS Parmar Volleyball Tournament held at Panchrukhi in the Jaisinghpur Assembly constituency.

Congratulating the winning teams, the minister said the government was making sustained efforts to support athletes across Himachal. He said the cash award for gold medal winners in the Olympics, Winter Olympics and Paralympics has been increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore. Silver medal winners will now receive Rs 3 crore instead of Rs 2 crore, while bronze medallists will get Rs 2 crore instead of Rs 1 crore.

The prize money for medal winners in the Asian Games and Asian Para Games has also been enhanced up to Rs 4 crore, he added.