Himachal CM does yoga exercises with 2,000 participants
Shimla, June 21
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Sunday presided over a state-level programme to mark the International Yoga Day in the state's Hamirpur district.
The Chief Minister practised yoga for about 45 minutes along with nearly 2,000 participants, including senior citizens, youth, and children.
Earlier, Sukhu inaugurated the yoga session, organised by the Department of Ayush at the Synthetic Track Ground of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at Anu, by lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering prayers to Lord Dhanvantari.
He also released a booklet related to the International Day of Yoga. The booklet contains a concise compilation of important information about various yoga postures and practices.
After the yoga session, the Chief Minister interacted with young trainees and athletes. He said the government was committed to providing world-class facilities to talented athletes.
A modern indoor stadium was being constructed in Nadaun at a cost of approximately Rs 125 crore. The stadium would be dedicated to the state's athletes later this year. It would offer international-standard facilities for 14 sports, including swimming, badminton, volleyball, and tennis. He said the government has introduced substantial cash rewards for medal winners in international competitions. Gold medalists at the Asian Games will receive Rs 3 crore, silver medalists Rs 2 crore and bronze medalists up to Rs 1.5 crore.
Similarly, athletes who perform exceptionally well at the Olympic Games and other international competitions are also being awarded cash prizes worth crores of rupees. He said, soon after assuming office three and a half years ago, the government significantly increased the diet allowance for athletes. Provisions have also been made for athletes to travel by air and in air-conditioned trains. The Chief Minister added that adequate budgetary provisions were being made for the repair and renovation of the synthetic track ground at Anu.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While this is good PR, I hope the government is also focusing on the real issues like the landslide damages and road conditions in rural Himachal. Yoga is nice, but practical problems need attention too. Still, the cash rewards for athletes are impressive—Rs 3 crore for Asian Games gold is a game-changer for our sports culture!
Yoga day events are becoming a yearly ritual for politicians—photo ops without substance. But I must admit, the booklet release about yoga postures is a useful initiative for spreading awareness. And the sports facilities plan sounds promising. Let's see how much actually materializes on the ground. 🙏
Very inspiring! The CM doing yoga with senior citizens and children shows inclusivity. Himachal is blessed with such natural beauty—places like Anu are perfect for yoga sessions. Also loved the part about air travel and AC trains for athletes. Our sportspersons deserve the best! 💪
First, they light a lamp and offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari—good to see traditional values being respected. The 45-minute yoga session must have been refreshing for everyone. But the real test will be whether the new stadium in Nadaun is completed on time. Himachal's young athletes need world-class facilities, not just promises. 😊
It's heartening to see the government prioritizing both wellness and sports. The diet allowance increase and cash rewards for medal winners will motivate many young Himachalis. But I hope they also consider building more yoga centers in villages, not just in towns. Health awareness should reach every corner.
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