DW BUREAU / Shimla

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.

(editor@dailyworld.in)