AJAY KUMAR UPADHYAY
BILASPUR: Two-days State Youth Festival 2025–26, organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports, Himachal Pradesh, concluded with great enthusiasm and cultural fervour at the Multipurpose Cultural Complex, Bilaspur. State Minister for AYUSH, Youth Services and Sports, Yadavindra Goma, attended the valedictory function as the chief guest and felicitated the winners, applauding the vibrant participation of youth from across the state.
Minister described the State Youth Festival as a powerful platform for recognising and nurturing youth talent, stating that it prepares young achievers for opportunities at national and international levels. He announced that winners of the festival would represent Himachal Pradesh at the upcoming National Youth Festival in Delhi, carrying forward the state’s cultural identity on a national Manch.
Highlighting the state’s growing achievements in sports, Yadavindra Goma said that Himachal Pradesh athletes delivered remarkable performances at international events such as the Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships in 2024. To honour these achievements, the state government organised a special felicitation programme and distributed incentive awards worth nearly Rs 17 crore to medal winners and outstanding athletes.
The Minister informed that on the directions of the Chief Minister, the reward and incentive budget for national-level players has been strengthened to ensure sustainable sporting careers for youth. He said the government is committed to promoting sports from grassroots to state level, with plans to construct indoor stadiums and sports facilities in every assembly constituency. Approval has also been granted for playgrounds across constituencies, while around 500 outstanding players have already been provided government employment under the three percent sports quota.
Congratulating all participants, the Minister said that even those who could not secure top positions gained valuable exposure and confidence. He expressed confidence that such festivals would continue to inspire creativity, discipline and excellence among youth.
The competition results reflected rich cultural diversity and creative excellence. Shimla topped the Folk Dance competition, Kangra secured first position in Folk Group Singing, while winners from Kullu, Una, Chamba, Hamirpur, Solan, Mandi, Bilaspur and Sirmaur excelled across story writing, poetry recitation, painting and declamation categories.
District Youth Services and Sports Officer Uttam Dutt, Sports Officer Anurag Verma and other departmental officials were present, marking the festival’s successful conclusion with pride and optimism for Himachal’s youth