Shimla, August 29: On Saturday, Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta engaged in a dialogue with experienced athletes at Lok Bhawan in Shimla, coinciding with National Sports Day. This event featured international and national-level players who have brought recognition to Himachal Pradesh and the country.
The purpose of this discussion was to leverage the rich experiences of seasoned athletes, understand the challenges facing the state’s sports ecosystem, and gather suggestions for strengthening sports infrastructure, nurturing grassroots talent, and inspiring the younger generation towards sports.
During the conversation, the Governor emphasized that the contributions of experienced athletes extend far beyond their achievements on the field. Their discipline, dedication, experience, and commitment make them natural role models and mentors for the youth. He highlighted the need for collective and sustained efforts to bring sports to grassroots levels, especially in rural and remote areas, ensuring that no talented youth is deprived of opportunities due to a lack of facilities.
The meeting addressed several issues raised by the athletes, including the scarcity of sports fields and related facilities in various parts of the state. They pointed out that geographical challenges have particularly limited sports fields in Shimla and suggested making school grounds available for children and young athletes after school hours whenever possible.
Athletes also called for strengthening traditional and established sports in Himachal Pradesh, particularly hockey, athletics, and volleyball, while emphasizing the importance of endurance and fitness. They expressed concern over the underutilization of training facilities in high-altitude areas and stressed the need to fully operationalize these facilities for the benefit of athletes and other players.
The experienced athletes praised the initiatives undertaken by the Government of India under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote sports and enhance sports facilities across the country. They specifically commended grassroots talent development, sports training, and support for athletes through initiatives like ‘Khelo India,’ ‘Fit India,’ and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
The athletes also appreciated the Governor’s initiative to hold this dialogue for the first time, recognizing it as a valuable effort to acknowledge their contributions and share their experiences for the benefit of the younger generation.
The Governor stated that sports have gained momentum in the country under Prime Minister Modi‘s leadership. He urged that Himachal Pradesh should make the best use of the opportunities and facilities being created under various central government schemes.
Addressing the rising trend of electronic gadgets and sedentary lifestyles among youth, Kavinder Gupta stressed the urgent need to reconnect young people with sports and physical activities. He noted that sports play a crucial role in keeping youth physically fit, mentally strong, disciplined, and focused.
The Governor expressed concern over the increasing use of drugs among youth, stating that sports can serve as a strong means to keep them away from drugs and other harmful influences.
He also emphasized the importance of ensuring greater participation of women in sports, acknowledging that India’s daughters have carved a niche in the sports world. He cited athletes like Mary Kom, PV Sindhu, and Sania Mirza as inspirations for the entire nation, while highlighting the achievements of Himachal Pradesh’s Sushma Verma, Harleen Deol, and Renuka Singh Thakur as exemplary representations of the state’s talent and potential. He affirmed, “We must ensure that our girls receive equal opportunities, encouragement, and support to excel in sports.”
The Governor urged the state to identify and promote its traditional sports strengths. He assured experienced athletes that their suggestions regarding the promotion of traditional sports and the improvement of sports facilities would be taken seriously.
Kavinder Gupta referenced his recent initiative to establish the ‘Chancellor’s Inter-University Developed Bharat-2047 Task Force,’ encouraging the youth in state universities to contribute to the larger vision of nation-building. He stated that for building a developed and confident India, sports, education, innovation, and youth participation must advance together.
The Governor urged experienced athletes to step forward as mentors, sharing their experiences, expertise, and lessons learned from their sports journeys to guide young players.
He also stressed the importance of extending sports beyond major cities, ensuring that children and youth in rural and remote areas have access to basic sports facilities.
The Governor noted that the enthusiastic participation of people in recent cultural fairs and festivals in Himachal Pradesh reflects the state’s strong community spirit. He stated that similar collective efforts are needed to create a vibrant sports culture, where communities, educational institutions, athletes, and the government collaborate.
He concluded by saying that experienced athletes can play a vital role in inspiring youth in their respective areas and encouraging at least some of them to embrace sports.
“Our goal should be to make sports a part of life for the youth. A fit and disciplined generation will not only contribute to Himachal Pradesh’s sports achievements but also help build a stronger and more developed India,” he stated.
On this occasion, the Governor announced a grant of 100,000 rupees for sports equipment to promote sports activities. He also urged experienced athletes to submit a comprehensive set of suggestions for strengthening sports infrastructure, training facilities, and grassroots sports in the state.
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