Bilaspur girls clinch handball title, Sirmaur emerge hockey champs

State-Level under-19 girls sports competition concludes in Rait

Our Correspondent

Dharamsala, Updated At : 07:23 AM Oct 08, 2024 IST

Education Minister Rohit Thakur at the closing ceremony of U-19 tourney at government school at Rait.

The state-level under-19 major sports competition for girls, held from October 4 to 7 in Rait, Shahpur, concluded today with State Education Minister Rohit Thakur felicitating the winners of handball, hockey, basketball, and football competitions. The event saw participation from 634 girl students representing 11 districts and two sports hostels. Ashish Butel, CPS Urban Development and Education, and MLA Shahpur Kewal Singh Pathania also graced the occasion.

In handball, Bilaspur clinched the top spot, followed by Mandi. Sirmaur emerged victorious in hockey, while Una finished as runner-up. Bilaspur dominated in basketball, with Hamirpur taking second place. In football, Bilaspur claimed first position, with Shimla as runner-up. Sports Hostel Sarkaghat won the state basketball competition, while Sports Hostel Majra emerged as the winner in hockey.

Addressing the participants, Thakur emphasised the importance of sports in instilling discipline, coordination, and sportsmanship. He encouraged girls to engage in sports and bring honor to the state. The event featured cultural performances by students, and Thakur announced a Rs 30,000 fund to promote such cultural programmes.

Thakur also announced a Rs 50-lakh investment for the upgradation of Rait and highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the education system. A key initiative mentioned was the establishment of Rajiv Gandhi Model Day-Boarding Schools in every assembly constituency. In the first phase, 17 locations were selected, with seven in Kangra district.

The Government Senior Secondary School in Rait, part of Shahpur Assembly constituency, will also undergo development, with an initial Rs 1.5 crore investment for its upgradation. Thakur mentioned that this funding is part of the first phase, with more to follow as the project progresses.

Thakur further stressed the need for the merger and rationalization of schools based on student numbers, stating that Himachal Pradesh, along with states like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, is actively working in this direction. With an annual budget of Rs 9,900 crore for education, Himachal Pradesh ranks among the top states in terms of educational spending.