Himachal CM opens Multipurpose Sports Stadium in Sanjuali
Shimla, June 8
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Monday inaugurated the Multipurpose Sports Stadium in Sanjauli, near Shimla, constructed at a cost of Rs 3.18 crore.
He also inaugurated Himachal Pradesh's first Chitta Awareness Volleyball Tournament in Sanjauli, organised as part of the International Summer Festival Shimla.
He unveiled the tournament's trophy and announced that the winning team would receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.
The Chief Minister took the salute of the march past by 13 teams participating from across the state and administered an oath against drug abuse to all participants.
On the occasion, he announced Rs 1 crore for further improvement and development of the Sanjauli Ground, the setting up of a Primary Health Centre (PHC), and the upgradation of the Sanjauli Holi Fair to district-level status.
CM Sukhu said the government is making efforts to host 'Khelo India' competitions in Himachal Pradesh, and necessary directions have already been issued to the department concerned.
He added that the government has increased the prize money for winners of international competitions and would soon introduce a policy to reward national-level sports winners, further promoting sports in the state.
He said another stadium is being constructed in Ghatasani, near Shimla, at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
Recalling his school days, the Chief Minister said he used to participate in sports competitions and therefore understood the challenges faced by players.
"We have increased the diet money for sportspersons," he said.
Athletes participating in competitions within the state are being provided a daily a diet allowance of Rs 400, while those participating outside the state are receiving Rs 500 per day. Air travel facilities are also being provided for journeys exceeding 200 km, he added.
MLA Harish Janartha said the Sanjauli Ground is one of the oldest in the area, and a long-pending demand to develop a quality sports ground has now been fulfilled.
He added that encouraging youth to take up sports and stay away from drugs reflects the Chief Minister's vision.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, Sanjauli gets some attention! 🏏 Living in Shimla, I've seen how neglected this area has been despite being so close to the capital. The PHC announcement is crucial - we have to travel all the way to the main hospital for basic checkups. Hope the upgrade of the Holi Fair doesn't lose its local charm though.
As someone visiting Shimla for the Summer Festival, this is impressive. The Chitta Awareness tournament is a smart way to tackle the drug issue that plagues many hill stations. But I'm curious - will the Rs 1 crore for ground development include better lighting and drainage? The monsoon season here is no joke.
The Khelo India ambition is laudable but Rs 3.18 crore for a stadium in 2024 seems on the lower side. Let's hope the quality doesn't compromise. I remember playing on Sanjauli Ground as a kid - dusty and uneven. If they actually build this right, it could be a game-changer for local youth who often drift towards drugs due to lack of facilities. Babuji ka vision sahi hai, but execution matters more.
Love the personal touch - the CM recalling his own school sports days makes the announcement feel more genuine. The air travel for journeys over 200 km is a practical move for athletes in hilly terrain. But I wonder about the Rs 10 crore Ghatasani stadium - is this really needed when resources could be spread across more rural areas?
😊 Finally a government initiative that addresses both sports and substance abuse together. As a mother of two teenagers
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