4-day inter-college football tourney kicks off at Dhaliara
Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvinder Goma inaugurated a four-day inter-college football tournament organised by Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, and Sardar Patel University, Mandi, at Dhaliara college. Students from 22 colleges are participating in the event.
Addressing the gathering, Goma highlighted the state government’s efforts to promote sports and support players. He emphasised infrastructure development and giving due respect to athletes. Goma announced a grant of Rs 51,000 for the tournament and commended Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for increasing financial incentives for medal-winning players.
Under the state’s new policy, players winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics will receive Rs 5 crore, Rs 3 crore and Rs 2 crore, respectively. The prize money for medalists in the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and other international competitions has also been raised by 300–400%. Additionally, players representing the state are provided with AC 3-tier train travel and air travel facilities, while their daily diet allowance has been increased from Rs 250 to Rs 400.
The Minister announced the construction of three indoor stadiums in the state, with one underway in the Dehra constituency. He also assured the first installment of Rs 15 lakh for repairing Dhaliara College’s ground, sports store room, boundary wall and stage.
Local MLA Kamlesh Thakur, attending as the special guest, encouraged students to participate in sports and embrace competition without fear of failure. Principal Anju Chauhan welcomed the chief guest and expressed gratitude for the initiatives.
The event was attended by Dehra SDM Shilpi Bekta, Dehra SHO Sandeep Pathania, Executive Engineer Suresh Walia, Congress leader Surendra Mankotia and many others, alongside teachers, students and players.
