9,553 participants to join Shimla rural Sports Mahakumbh

Spread the news

All participants to receive sports kits during the event

Shimla: A 22-day Sports Mahakumbh will be held in Shimla rural from October 25 to November 15, with 9,553 participants expected to take part in sports and cultural competitions under the ‘Quit Drugs, Play Sports’ campaign, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh said.

The event is being organised by the Himachal Sports Culture and Environment Association. Singh said participants would receive sports kits.

Addressing a press conference, Singh said the event would feature 211 cricket teams, 50 volleyball teams and 60 teams each in kabaddi and badminton across the women’s and men’s categories, as stated in the announcement.

The programme will also include 100 folk dance teams and 260 tug-of-war teams. As many as 400 women have registered for the fashion show and modelling events so far, Singh said. He added that 400 women’s groups would also participate.

Tug-of-war is expected to attract the most participants, according to Singh.

The event is being organised around the theme ‘Quit Drugs, Play Sports’, with competitions spanning different sporting and cultural activities. The organisers expect participation from thousands of people across the scheduled events.

Singh Rejects Factionalism Allegations

Responding to allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party over the installation of a statue of former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh in Sarahan, Vikramaditya Singh said the programme was held at the district level and should not be linked to factionalism.

Says Funds Will Be Arranged for Development

On questions about a shortage of funds in the Public Works Department, Singh said the department did not lack money. He said funds would be arranged wherever necessary for development work and that the state’s development pace would not be allowed to slow down.

The minister’s remarks covered preparations for the upcoming Sports Mahakumbh as well as questions concerning the statue installation and funding for development works.

The competitions are scheduled to run from October 25 to November 15 in Shimla rural.