Rijiju lays stones for Rs 82 crore sports infra at Lahaul-Spiti

In a major boost to sports and regional development in the tribal district of Lahaul and Spiti, Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju today laid the foundation stone for a High-Altitude Sports Training Centre, an ice hockey rink, and a cricket ground pavilion in Kaza at a cost of Rs 82 crore.

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These projects are being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) and are part of the central government’s larger vision of Viksit Bharat.

The foundation ceremony was attended by Mandi MP Kangana Ranaut, Lahaul and Spiti MLA Anuradha Rana, former MLA Ravi Thakur and other dignitaries. The projects aim to empower local youth, promote winter sports such as ice hockey, generate employment and transform Kaza into a key sports tourism destination.

Speaking at the event, Rijiju praised the efforts of Joint Secretary Ram Singh, a native of Lahaul and Spiti, for preparing and forwarding a comprehensive development proposal for the region. Rijiju said, “I had asked Ram Singh to coordinate with the state government and submit detailed projects for funding under our ministry. His efforts led to the approval of Rs 108 crore for Lahaul-Spiti.”