Himachal CM Sukhu honours 419 players with Rs 22 crore rewards

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday honoured 419 national and international-level sportspersons with cash awards worth around Rs 22 crore at a state-level programme titled ‘Him Ratna’ in Shimla. He also announced the launch of the ‘Khelo Himachal, Chitta Mukt Himachal’ campaign from November 20 in Dharamshala to promote sports and discourage drug abuse among youth.

Among those honoured were members of the Indian women’s kabaddi team, including Asian Games gold medallists and captain Pushpa Rana, Jyoti Thakur and Bhawana, as well as former captain Ritu Negi. Athletes Seema Kumari and Sawan Barwal also received cash awards.

Addressing the program, Sukhu said the state government had increased prize money for players who perform at national and international levels to encourage sporting talent.

He said the ‘Khelo Himachal, Chitta Mukt Himachal’ campaign would feature sports competitions at subdivision, district and state levels. Winners would receive awards to encourage greater participation in sports and steer young people away from drug abuse.

The Chief Minister said the government had set a target of making Himachal Pradesh free of chitta by 2027. He added that action was being taken against drug traffickers and properties acquired through drug-related earnings were being demolished.

Sukhu said the government was also working to improve employment opportunities for sportspersons. The government created a post of District Sports Officer, and the Sports Department would initiate recruitment of national- and international-level women players through walk-in interviews.

Players who received awards appreciated the government’s initiative, saying such recognition boosts their morale and motivates emerging sportspersons to perform better.