Shimla, November 9
In order to channelize the energy of the youth towards constructive activities, the Himachal Pradesh Government has laid special emphasis on promoting the sports activities in a big way. These initiatives are not only strengthening the sports culture in the state but are also instrumental in steering the youth away from drug abuse.
Along with providing lucrative incentives to the distinguished players, who earn laurels to the state as well as the country, the government has also worked on developing sports infrastructure of international standards. This initiative aims to encourage the youth to take part in International, National and Inter-State competitions.
The state government has significantly enhanced the prize money for medal winners in various international competitions. The prize money 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 now receive Rs. 3 crore instead of Rs. 2 crore while bronze medalists receive Rs. 2 crore instead of Rs. 1 crore.
The prize money for gold medalists in the Asian Games and paralympic games has been significantly increased from Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 4 crore. Silver medalists now receive Rs. 2.50 crore instead of Rs. 30 lakh, and bronze medalists receive Rs. 1.50 crore instead of Rs. 20 lakh.
The players who achieve glory in Commonwealth Games and Para Commonwealth Games are being given prize money of Rs 3 crore instead of Rs 50 lakh for winning gold medal, Rs 2 crore instead of Rs 30 lakh for silver medal winners and Rs 1 crore instead of Rs 20 lakh for bronze medal winners.
The state government awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 17,44,28,000 to the international athletes who won medals or participated in the Paralympic Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Cup last year.
To ensure athletes receive proper nutrition, the diet allowance for players has been enhanced. Various tournaments are also being organized in schools to provide students with platforms to showcase their sporting talent. Players participating in competitions outside the state are now entitled to AC three-tier train fare for distances up to 200 kilometers and economy-class airfare for longer journeys.
The state government allocated approximately Rs. 38 crore for the construction and maintenance of sports grounds and state-of-the-art sports infrastructure in the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25. This amount was spent on a total of 74 sports projects.
A sports hostel has been constructed in Duttnagar near Rampur Bushahr in Shimla district at a cost of Rs. 9.45 crore which will accommodate 50 athletes. A hockey astroturf has been developed at Majra in Sirmaur district at a cost of over Rs. 7.28 crore
The government has decided that the athletes participating in state and national level sports competitions will be granted special leave during that period. This decision promotes the all-round development of students.
A 3 per cent sports quota has been fixed to provide employment to the outstanding athletes under which 99 outstanding athletes have been provided employment since 2024.
The state government has proposed to construct a play ground in each Assembly constituency under Mukhya Mantru Yuva Khel Protsahan Yojana. Nodal youth clubs have been established in each block of the state. In addition to appointing youth volunteers in each of the total 68 blocks, one volunteer has been appointed at each district headquarters.
Last year, the All India Dr. Y.S. Parmar memorial volleyball tournament was held in the Panchrukhi area of Kangra whereas this tournament was organised at Shoghi in Shimla in the tear 2023.
