The Himachal Pradesh Government is placing renewed focus on promoting sports and youth engagement across the state, aiming to channelize young energy toward constructive and healthy pursuits while curbing the menace of drug abuse.
To encourage excellence in sports, the state government has significantly enhanced the prize money for athletes winning medals at international competitions.
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Olympics, Winter Olympics & Paralympics: Gold medalists will now receive ₹5 crore (earlier ₹3 crore), silver medalists ₹3 crore (earlier ₹2 crore), and bronze medalists ₹2 crore (earlier ₹1 crore).
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Asian Games & Para Games: Gold – ₹4 crore (earlier ₹50 lakh), Silver – ₹2.5 crore (earlier ₹30 lakh), Bronze – ₹1.5 crore (earlier ₹20 lakh).
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Commonwealth & Para Commonwealth Games: Gold – ₹3 crore, Silver – ₹2 crore, Bronze – ₹1 crore.
In recognition of their achievements, the government disbursed ₹17.44 crore in cash prizes last year to athletes who represented the state in the Paralympic, Asian, Commonwealth, and World Cup events.
The state has allocated ₹38 crore during 2023–24 and 2024–25 for developing and maintaining 74 sports projects, including modern playgrounds and training facilities.
A sports hostel at Duttnagar (Rampur Bushahr, Shimla district) has been constructed at a cost of ₹9.45 crore to accommodate 50 athletes. Similarly, a hockey astroturf at Majra (Sirmaur) has been developed at a cost of ₹7.28 crore to promote the sport in the region.
To ensure players receive proper nutrition and facilities, the diet allowance for sportspersons has been increased. Students participating in out-of-state tournaments are now eligible for AC three-tier rail fare (for up to 200 km) and economy-class airfare for longer distances.
The government has also introduced special leave provisions for students participating in state and national competitions, promoting their academic and athletic balance.
A 3% sports quota has been reserved in government jobs, benefiting 99 outstanding athletes since 2024. Under the Mukhya Mantri Yuva Khel Protsahan Yojana, a sports ground will be developed in every Assembly constituency, ensuring access to quality sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
To further encourage youth participation, nodal youth clubs have been established in all 68 blocks of the state, with youth volunteers appointed at both block and district levels to coordinate activities.
Highlighting the growing sports culture in Himachal, the All India Dr. Y.S. Parmar Memorial Volleyball Tournament was successfully held at Panchrukhi (Kangra) last year and at Shoghi (Shimla) in 2023, attracting enthusiastic participation from across the country.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
