CM Announces Recognition for Medal Winners of World Winter Games

In a significant gesture to boost the morale of athletes, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu extended a warm send-off to the state’s contingent of athletes and coaches selected for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Turin, Italy, from March 7 to March 16, 2025. The Chief Minister’s encouragement and support for the athletes highlighted the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

Expressing his pride in the athletes, the Chief Minister stated that it was a moment of immense happiness for the people of Himachal Pradesh that 24 out of the 49 members in the Indian delegation hail from the state. These athletes are set to compete in a variety of events, including Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Floorball. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these athletes would perform exceptionally well, bringing honor and recognition to both the state and the nation.

Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reiterated the state government’s dedication to supporting young athletes by providing them with the necessary resources and facilities to excel in national and international competitions. He emphasized that the state government has significantly increased the prize money for international sports events, with a focus on motivating young athletes to pursue sports actively and avoid falling prey to drug abuse. This initiative is seen as a part of a broader strategy to promote a healthy lifestyle and constructive engagement among the youth of Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would honor medal winners of the World Winter Games with enhanced prize money. He revealed that the prize for gold medalists in the Olympics, Winter Olympics, and Paralympics has been raised from ₹3 crore to ₹5 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence in sports. Similarly, the prize for silver medalists has been increased from ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore, and for bronze medalists, from ₹1 crore to ₹2 crore.

In addition, the prize money for the Asian Games and Asian Para Games has seen a substantial hike. Gold medalists will now receive ₹4 crore, a significant rise from the previous ₹50 lakh. Silver medalists will be awarded ₹2.5 crore, up from ₹30 lakh, while bronze medalists will receive ₹1.5 crore, increased from ₹20 lakh. The Commonwealth Games athletes are also set to benefit, with gold medalists now eligible for ₹3 crore, silver medalists for ₹2 crore, and bronze medalists for ₹1 crore, showcasing the government’s proactive approach in encouraging sports excellence.

The Chief Minister’s announcement has been widely appreciated, as it not only boosts the morale of the athletes representing India on the international stage but also positions Himachal Pradesh as a leading state in supporting sports and athletes. By enhancing the prize money and providing necessary support to athletes, the state government aims to inspire a new generation of sportspersons to achieve greater heights.

The event was also attended by Harish Janartha, MLA from the Shimla Urban assembly segment, who expressed his appreciation for the Chief Minister’s continuous support for sports and the welfare of athletes. The collective efforts of the state government to promote sports and encourage young talent underline a vision of a healthier, more active, and drug-free youth population in Himachal Pradesh.

Title Tag: Himachal Pradesh CM Increases Prize Money for International Sports Winners

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