Shimla

Himachal Pradesh government Chief Minister  Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued direction to sports bodies and educational institutions mnot to mark the players who participate in National, State and International sports competition, as absent or on leave while they are participating in competitions.

This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports.

In a release, Sukhu said that currently, students participating in events organized by various sports associations, federations, or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provisions. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal assessments.

For the first time in the state such progressive decision has been taken under which it has now been mandated that participation certificates or letters issued by recognized sports bodies will serve as valid proof for participation in National and Sports events. Schools have been directed to mark such students on 'special leave' instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions.

"It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register", he remarked.

"This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other," the Chief Minister stated.

To mark presence in schools, highlights a move towards a more integrated and balanced approach to student development, where academics and sports are seen as complementary aspects of a student's overall growth, said the Chief Minister.

Besides this, the state government has taken a remarkable step towards promoting sports and honouring the achievements of the athletes of the state. In a historic move Chief Minister stated that 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth  Rs. 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and International success of its sportspersons.

The highest cash award was presented to Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district, who received Rs. 7.80 crore for his outstanding achievements in high jump at various para-games, including the prestigious Tokyo Paralympics. Ajay Kumar a para-athlete from Mandi, was awarded Rs. 2.50 crore for his medal-winning performance in the 400 meter race.

Similarly, Vikas Thakur from Hamirpur was honoured with Rs. 2 crore for clinching a medal in the weightlifting event. In the sport of kabaddi, eight athletes  Ritu Negi, Pushpa and Sushma Sharma from Sirmaur, Nidhi Sharma from Bilaspur, Jyoti from Solan and Vishal Bhardwaj from Una,  were each awarded Rs. 33.32 lakh for bringing glory to the state at International tournaments. Cricketing star Renuka Singh Thakur from Shimla was also presented Rs. 13.32 lakh for her remarkable contribution to the game.

In addition to these honours, around Rs. 44 lakh were distributed among other outstanding athletes.

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The government's support goes beyond just cash rewards. Significant efforts have been made to improve player welfare. As many as 421 players received Rs. 76.98 lakh as diet money and 235 players were given Rs. 6.01 lakh to support their travel expenses. These measures ensure that athletes are not only celebrated after achieving success but are also supported throughout their sporting journey.