Himachal CM Inaugurates South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship in Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2026 in Shimla. The event features over 100 players from five countries and will continue until April 11, 2026. The CM emphasized the state's efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure to encourage youth to pursue sports professionally. In a separate meeting, he also assured a delegation of computer teachers that their demands for regularization would be considered sympathetically.

Key Points: Himachal CM Inaugurates South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship

  • Championship runs until April 11, 2026
  • Over 100 players from 5 countries
  • State promoting sports as a profession
  • Aims to steer youth away from social evils
  • CM also met with computer teachers' delegation
2 min read

Himachal Pradesh CM inaugurates South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship in Shimla

CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurates the 2026 South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship in Shimla, aiming to boost sports infrastructure.

"sports provide a positive direction to youth and help instill discipline, dedication and leadership qualities. - Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, April 8

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2026 at the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex in Shimla on Wednesday.

The championship will continue until 11th April, 2026 and features participation from over 100 players representing five countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal.

Congratulating the participants, the Chief Minister said that such an event was being organised in the state for the first time. He stated that the state government is making every effort to strengthen sports infrastructure to encourage youth to adopt sports as a profession.

He stressed that sports provide a positive direction to youth and help instill discipline, dedication and leadership qualities. He said that active participation in sports also encourages youth to stay away from social evils such as drug abuse.

MLA Harish Janartha, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Director of Youth Services and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh, Regional Vice Chairman of the Asia Table Tennis Union Shekhar Gautam, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association T.P. Chopra, General Secretary Adhish Rana along with other office bearers were present on the occasion.

After that, a delegation of the Himachal Pradesh Computer Teachers' Association, led by President Suman Thakur, called on the Chief Minister at his official residence, Oak Over, on Wednesday and apprised him of the issues of computer teachers in the state.

The delegation also submitted a memorandum outlining their demands. The members of the association urged the Chief Minister to formulate a permanent policy for computer teachers and also to regularise their services.

The Chief Minister listened to their concerns and assured the delegation that the state government would consider their demands sympathetically.

Mandi District President of the Association, Ramesh Thakur, Una District President of the Association, Hardev Singh and other representatives were present on that occasion.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but I hope this isn't just a one-time event for photo ops. The government needs to ensure consistent funding and maintenance of sports complexes. We've seen many such inaugurations followed by neglect. The proof will be in 2026 and beyond.
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Aman W
Table tennis is such an underrated sport in India. Glad it's getting this recognition. Hosting neighbours like Nepal and Bangladesh is also a nice gesture for regional friendship. All the best to all the players!
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Suresh O
The part about sports keeping youth away from drugs is so true. In our hills, this is a major issue. If the state can channel young energy into sports, it will solve many social problems. Hope they also support the computer teachers' demands—both are important for the youth.
K
Kavya N
Shimla is the perfect venue! The cool weather is ideal for players. I'm from Himachal and it makes me proud to see our state hosting such events. Hope it boosts local tourism as well. šŸ¤ž
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David E
Interesting to see the blend of sports and teacher issues in one report. Both are critical for development. Investing in youth means investing in both their physical education and their digital literacy. A balanced approach is key.

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