SportsPosted at: Oct 26 2026 6:41PM


Pathania inaugurates state under-19 athletics meet in Dharamshala; 429 athletes participate

Dharamshala, Oct 26 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania on Monday inaugurated the 67th State-Level Under-19 Boys and Girls Athletics Meet at the Synthetic Track in Dharamshala, with 429 athletes from across the state participating in the three-day event.
The participants include 225 boys and 204 girls representing all 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh and three sports hostels at Bilaspur, Chaupal and the Khelo India Centre.
Pathania took the salute during the athletes' impressive march past and witnessed colourful cultural performances showcasing Himachali, Nepali and Tibetan traditions.
Addressing the participants, he said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, was committed to strengthening sports infrastructure, developing modern facilities and ensuring their proper maintenance. The objective was to provide better training opportunities and encourage athletes to excel at national and international levels.
He said an indoor multipurpose sports complex was being constructed at Nadaun over approximately 9,735 square metres at an estimated cost of Rs 112.49 crore. The facility will include a shooting range, swimming pool, gymnasium, multipurpose sports hall, four badminton courts, volleyball and tennis courts, besides accommodation for coaches, dormitories, offices, a cafeteria and a waiting lounge.
A sports hostel with accommodation for 50 athletes is also being constructed at Dattnagar in Rampur Bushahr at a cost of Rs 9.45 crore. In addition, a hockey astroturf has been developed at Majra in Sirmaur district at a cost of Rs 7.29 crore, he said.
Pathania said the government had substantially increased cash awards for medal winners in various national and international competitions to recognise their dedication and achievements.
The award for Olympic, Winter Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists has been increased from Rs 3 crore to Rs 5 crore, silver medallists from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore, and bronze medallists from Rs 1 crore to Rs 2 crore.
Similarly, the award for gold medallists at the Asian and Para Asian Games has been raised from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore, silver medallists from Rs 30 lakh to Rs 2.50 crore, and bronze medallists from Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1.50 crore.
He said the present state government had so far provided approximately Rs 30 crore to international athletes from Himachal Pradesh who had won medals or participated in competitions such as the Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Cups.
On the occasion, Pathania felicitated five girl students from Gharoh School who had been selected for the national-level football team. He also honoured Gopal Thakur, the early coach of Asian Games silver medallist Sawan Barwal.
Earlier, Deputy Director of Education Ajay Samyal welcomed the chief guest, while ADPO Atul Katoch briefed the gathering on various activities planned during the competition.
Principal Ashwani Bhatt, national award winner Dr Janmejay Guleria, Kailash Sharma, officials of the District Students Sports Association, coaches from different districts and local residents were present at the inaugural ceremony.
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