AJAY KUMAR UPADHYAY
Bilaspur: The vibrant spirit of sportsmanship echoed across the historic Luhnu Ground today as the 48th Inter-College Athletic Meet of Himachal Pradesh commenced with grandeur and enthusiasm. Hosted by Government College Bilaspur, the three-day sporting extravaganza features nearly 500 athletes from 36 colleges across the state, making it one of the largest athletic gatherings of the year.
Minister for Urban Planning, Housing and Industrial Training, Rajesh Dharmani
was welcomed with a traditional Himachali cap and memento by Principal Prof P S Katwal. A ceremonial march-past by NCC, NSS, and Scout & Guide cadets added splendor to the opening ceremony.
The meet will feature major track and field events including 100m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, relay races, high jump, pole vault, triple jump, shot put, discus, and javelin. Athletes from every corner of Himachal Pradesh are set to compete with passion and determination.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Dharmani affirmed the state government’s strong commitment to athlete welfare, announcing increased diet allowances—₹300 per day for state-level athletes and ₹500 for national-level participants. He proudly highlighted the achievements of Himachal’s daughter Renuka Thakur, honoured with ₹1 crore and soon a government job for her exceptional Cricket World Cup performance.
He further announced that a national-level handball tournament will be organized in Ghumarwin, recognizing the exceptional performances of local girl athletes. Dharmani emphasized that such events will catalyze sports development and significantly strengthen Bilaspur’s emerging status as a major sports and tourism hub, given its rare ability to host water, land, and air sports at one location.
Encouraging youth, the Minister said, “Hard work, discipline, honesty, and determination are the foundations of success. A confident youth strengthens the family, society, state, and the nation.”
He also urged citizens to preserve Himachal’s cultural ethos, hospitality, and global reputation as the “devbhoomi” of simplicity and dignity.
Wishing the athletes success, Minister Dharmani concluded that sports instill courage, resilience, and pride—qualities that uplift both individuals and the state.