Himachal: Students participating in sports events to be given ‘special leave’

In a bid to encourage budding talented youth, provision for ‘special leave attendance’ for sportsperson participating in national and international sports events will be made by the state government.

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directions to various sports bodies to consider them as being present during the period they represent India at national and international sports events. This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports, the CM said.

Sukhu said that currently, students participating in events organised by various sports associations, federations or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provision. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal assessments.

Schools have been directed to mark such students on ‘special leave’ instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions. “It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register,” he said.

“This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other,” the Chief Minister stated. He said 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognises achievements of sportsperson.

In addition to these honours, around Rs 44 lakh were distributed among other outstanding athletes.