SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Governor Kavinder Gupta on Sunday held the first-ever interaction with veteran sportspersons of the State at Lok Bhavan, Shimla, on the occasion of National Sports Day, bringing together international and national-level players who have represented Himachal Pradesh and the country.
The interaction was aimed at drawing upon the experience of veteran players, identifying challenges confronting the State’s sporting ecosystem and seeking suggestions for strengthening infrastructure, nurturing grassroots talent and encouraging greater youth participation in sports.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said the contribution of veteran sportspersons extended far beyond their achievements on the field, as their discipline, perseverance and experience made them natural mentors and role models for younger generations.
He stressed the need for sustained efforts to take sports to rural and far-flung areas so that talented youngsters were not deprived of opportunities due to inadequate facilities.
During the interaction, veteran players highlighted the shortage of playgrounds and sports infrastructure in different parts of the State. They particularly pointed to the limited availability of playing fields in Shimla due to geographical constraints and suggested that school grounds could, wherever feasible, be opened to children and young sportspersons after school hours.
The players also called for strengthening traditional and established sporting disciplines in Himachal Pradesh, particularly hockey, athletics and volleyball, while placing greater emphasis on endurance and fitness.
Concerns were also raised over the under-utilisation of high-altitude training facilities, with the participants stressing the need to make such infrastructure fully functional for athletes and other sportspersons.
The veteran players appreciated initiatives being undertaken by the Government of India to promote sports and expand sporting infrastructure, including Khelo India, Fit India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme.
The Governor said sports had received a major boost in the country under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and stressed that Himachal Pradesh should effectively utilise opportunities being created through various Central schemes.
Referring to increasing dependence on electronic gadgets and sedentary lifestyles, Gupta said there was an urgent need to reconnect young people with sports and physical activity.
He said sports could play an important role in keeping the youth physically fit, mentally resilient, disciplined and focused.
Expressing concern over drug abuse among young people, the Governor said sports could also serve as a powerful tool to keep youth away from drugs and other negative influences.
Gupta also emphasised greater participation of women in sports and said India’s women athletes had created a strong identity on the national and international stage.
Referring to Mary Kom, P.V. Sindhu and Sania Mirza, as well as Himachal Pradesh players Sushma Verma, Harleen Deol and Renuka Singh Thakur, the Governor said girls must be provided equal opportunities, encouragement and institutional support to excel in sports.
He further urged the State to identify and promote its traditional sporting strengths and assured the veteran players that their suggestions on improving facilities and promoting traditional sports would be considered seriously.
Referring to the recently constituted Chancellor’s Inter-University Viksit Bharat-2047 Task Force, Gupta said university students would also be encouraged to contribute to the broader nation-building process through sports, education, innovation and youth participation.
The Governor urged veteran players to come forward as mentors and guide young sportspersons by sharing their experience and lessons from their sporting careers.
“You have brought pride to Himachal Pradesh and the country through your achievements on the field. Today, your experience is equally valuable for shaping the future of our young sportspersons,” he said.
He called for sports to be taken beyond major towns and made accessible to children and youth in rural and remote areas.
Gupta said the strong community participation witnessed in cultural fairs and festivals across Himachal Pradesh showed that a similar collective effort involving communities, educational institutions, sportspersons and the government could help build a vibrant sporting culture.
He said the objective should be to make sports a way of life for the youth and create a fit, disciplined generation capable of contributing both to Himachal Pradesh’s sporting achievements and to the country’s development.
On the occasion, the Governor announced ₹1 lakh for sports equipment to support sporting activities and asked the veteran players to submit a comprehensive set of suggestions for strengthening sports infrastructure, training facilities and grassroots sports in the State.
The interaction witnessed participation of veteran international and national-level sportspersons from different disciplines, who shared their experiences, achievements and proposals for improving the sports ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh.
