The Governor-XI team clinched the Sadbhavana Cricket Cup organized by the Him Sports and Cultural Association to raise awareness against drug abuse held in BCS Shimla. Vivek Bhatia and Abid Hussain Sadiq were jointly declared Man of the Series. In the final match, Governor-XI defeated Chief Justice-XI by 32 runs.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appreciated the efforts of the organizers for creating awareness against the use of drugs through this sports event, Sadbhavana Cricket Cup. He said that the state government was committed to fight against drug menace and in this direction working with dedication to promote sports and improve opportunities for youth.
Sukhu highlighted the steps being taken by the government to support athletes. The prize money for winners of international competitions such as the Olympics, Paralympics and Asian Games, has been significantly increased. Gold medalists now receive Rs. 5 crore, silver medalists Rs. 3 crore and bronze medalists Rs. 2 crore. Similarly, in the Asian Games and Para Asian Games the prize money for gold medalists was increased to Rs. 4 crore, with Rs. 2.5 crore and Rs. 1.5 crore for silver and bronze medalists, respectively. He said that Paralympians like Nishad Kumar and Ajay Kumar have been recognized with substantial monetary rewards for their achievements.
He said that to further encourage athletes, the state government has enhanced allowances and improved travel provisions for competitions. Athletes now receive AC three-tier train fare for journeys up to 200 kilometres and economy-class airfare for longer distances. He said that the government has also announced the construction of integrated sports complexes in all constituencies. These facilities aim to foster greater participation in sports and provide modern amenities which would help young people stay away from drug abuse and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Acting Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court, Tarlok Singh Chauhan, Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, MLAs Harish Janartha, Sudarshan Babloo and Vinod Sultanpuri, Vice-Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation Kehar Singh Khachi, APMC Shimla Chairman Dev Anand Verma, were also present amongst others.
