Under-14 volleyball c'ship kicks off at Paonta Sahib

Education Minister Rohit Thakur today inaugurated the 69th National School Games Under-14 (Boys) Volleyball Championship 2025-26 at PM SHRI Government Senior Secondary School, Paonta Sahib, in Sirmaur district. The five-day championship was formally launched with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, marking the start of a major national-level sporting event in the region.

Addressing players, coaches and officials, the minister said the championship has brought together 381 young players from 32 states and Union Territories, along with nearly 80 coaches and officials. He welcomed all participants and extended best wishes for a successful competition, describing sports as a powerful tool for fostering discipline, teamwork and character building among students.

Thakur highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is hosting national-level school sports competitions after nearly a decade, with the last such event held in 2016. He said that following the Under-14 volleyball championship at Paonta Sahib, the state would also host the Under-19 Girls Kabaddi Championship at Nalagarh in Solan district from January 19 to 23, 2026, and the Under-19 Girls Handball Championship at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district from February 1 to 5, 2026. The state government has sanctioned Rs 1 crore for the smooth organisation of these events.

Highlighting achievements in the education sector, the minister said the government had undertaken several reform-oriented measures over the past three years, the positive impact of which is now clearly visible. Himachal Pradesh has achieved full literacy status and improved its national ranking from 21st to among the top five states.

He added that English-medium education had been introduced from Class I in all government schools to strengthen foundational learning, while 100 government senior secondary schools will be affiliated with the CBSE board from the upcoming academic session. Nearly 7,000 regular teachers have been appointed and recruitment for 3,101 additional posts is currently underway.

Thakur also announced that the first Kendriya Vidyalaya in Sirmaur district would be established at Paonta Sahib, with land already identified at Haripur Tohana. Emphasising the importance of sports, he said the government had significantly enhanced diet money, prize incentives and employment opportunities for athletes, ensuring holistic development and a secure future for promising sportspersons.