Ace the game: State’s ambitious push for sports excellence in Sirmaur

In a significant push to promote sports and nurture talent among the youth, the Himachal Pradesh Government is actively strengthening sports infrastructure across the state, with a particular focus on Sirmaur district. This strategic initiative is part of a broader vision to channel the energy of young people into constructive avenues, while simultaneously steering them away from the growing menace of drug addiction.

Recognising sports as a vital pillar in the holistic development of individuals, the state government has undertaken the construction of modern indoor stadiums, table tennis and squash halls, as well as open sports grounds. These facilities are designed to support not just physical fitness but also to instill values like discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

According to District Youth Services and Sports Officer Bhupendra Verma, a multipurpose indoor stadium has been built at the district headquarters in Nahan with an investment of Rs 7.23 crore. The stadium is equipped to host a variety of sports including kabaddi, badminton, basketball, table tennis, and chess. Currently, four trained coaches are providing professional guidance, with nearly 100 players regularly practicing badminton and 30 athletes pursuing table tennis. In addition, around 60 youth are utilising the gymnasium set up within the complex.

Another significant achievement has been the construction of a 10-metre indoor shooting range in Nahan at a cost of Rs 1.26 crore. The facility, fitted with modern equipment, has already hosted state-level competitions, marking a new chapter in the region’s sports capabilities.

In Majaura, the state government has laid an AstroTurf for hockey at a cost of Rs 7 crore, meeting international standards set by the International Hockey Federation. The facility is especially empowering for female athletes. In a recent national school tournament for under-17 girls, 16 players from the Majaura Sports Hostel represented Himachal Pradesh and secured the third position at the national level—an impressive milestone reflecting the impact of improved sports infrastructure.

The government has also completed the construction of a dedicated table tennis and squash hall in Nahan at a cost of Rs 3 crore. This facility is expected to be inaugurated soon and will offer aspiring athletes top-tier training grounds.

Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Khel Protsahan Yojana, four new sports grounds are

being developed with an allocation of Rs 60 lakh. These grounds are located in the villages of Gelyo (Renuka constituency), Gojjar (Paonta Sahib), Jamli (Nahan), and Pbhar Jamna (Shillai). Each ground is being developed with a budget of Rs 15 lakh and aims to provide rural youth with access to quality sports facilities close to home.

To further motivate emerging talent, the government has awarded Rs 7.22 lakh in cash prizes to distinguished athletes from Sirmaur district in the past year, recognizing their achievements at various competitive levels.

Swati Sharma, a Class 12 student and national-level badminton player, shared her journey: “I have been training at the Nahan indoor stadium for the past two years. Thanks to the excellent facilities, I’ve been able to participate in national competitions. I’m committed to building a career in badminton, and I’m grateful to the state government for their support.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Manan Khurana, an 8th-grade student who has been practising table tennis at the stadium for three years, expressed gratitude towards the government for providing a platform to pursue his passion.

With a strong commitment to building a cleaner and healthier society, the Himachal Pradesh Government is not only creating world-class infrastructure but is also nurturing a culture where sports play a central role in youth empowerment. Through these efforts, the state aims to not only produce athletes of national and international repute but also to combat social issues like drug abuse by offering constructive and inspiring alternatives to the youth.

The ongoing investments in sports are a testament to the government’s dedication to transforming Himachal Pradesh into a vibrant hub for sports and holistic youth development.

Himachal Tribune