Himachal steps up sports push with bigger rewards, better facilities

The Himachal Pradesh government has intensified its focus on sports development by strengthening infrastructure and significantly enhancing incentives for sportspersons, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Wednesday. Emphasising the role of sports in youth empowerment, the Chief Minister said the state was making sustained investments to encourage young talent to pursue sports as a full-time profession.

Addressing the media in Shimla, CM Sukhu said improved prize money, higher diet allowances and assured employment opportunities were helping channelise the energy of youth in a positive direction, promoting fitness and keeping them away from social evils. He said a fixed three per cent sports quota has been implemented for outstanding sportspersons, under which 99 players have been appointed to government jobs since 2024.

To strengthen grassroots participation, youth volunteers have been deployed in 68 block-level nodal youth clubs, with one volunteer also posted at each district headquarters. The state spent over Rs 3.2 crore on youth and sports activities in 2024, while Rs 4 crore is being spent in the current financial year. Special emphasis is also being laid on developing playgrounds and modern sports facilities across Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister informed that an Indoor Multipurpose Sports Complex is being constructed in Nadaun at a cost of Rs 112.49 crore. Spread over about 9,735 square metres, the complex will feature a shooting range, swimming pool, gymnasium, multipurpose hall for wrestling, boxing and kabaddi, yoga hall, badminton courts, table tennis facilities, and volleyball and tennis courts, along with supporting amenities.

CM Sukhu announced a historic increase in prize money, with Olympic, Winter Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists now set to receive Rs 5 crore, silver medallists Rs 3 crore and bronze medallists Rs 2 crore. Prize money for Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medal winners has also been substantially raised. Diet allowances for athletes across age groups and sports hostels have likewise been enhanced.

The Chief Minister praised the achievements of Himachal’s women sportspersons, stating that with strong government support, the state’s youth were breaking barriers and bringing laurels at national and international levels.