Sirmaur’s new indoor stadium set to foster athletic excellence
In a major stride towards promoting sports and nurturing athletic talent in Sirmaur district, a state-of-the-art indoor sports stadium has been constructed in Nahan at a cost of Rs 7 crore. The stadium, envisioned as a hub for aspiring athletes, is expected to provide modern training infrastructure and facilities to help local sportspersons prepare for competitions at both state and national levels.
Deputy Commissioner Sumit Khimta, who also serves as the Chairman of the District Sports Council Sirmaur, announced this development while presiding over a meeting of the council held at the DC office. He said the stadium would not only benefit current athletes but also inspire the younger generation to take up sports professionally. Emphasising the importance of grassroots-level development, he noted that the primary objective of the District Sports Council was to provide athletes with access to quality infrastructure and basic training facilities.
Alongside the indoor stadium, construction of a new squash court and table tennis complex is underway in Nahan, with an additional investment of Rs 3 crore. These facilities are in the final stages of completion and are expected to be operational soon. According to officials, these specialised facilities will address the long-standing need for indoor sports training spaces in the district, especially during adverse weather conditions.
To ensure the benefits of sports infrastructure reach even the remotest parts of the district, the administration has initiated the development of sports grounds under the Chief Minister’s Youth Sports Promotion Scheme. Four such projects are currently being implemented across different Assembly constituencies of Sirmaur, with a combined investment of Rs 60 lakh. The aim is to make structured playgrounds available in areas that have so far been underserved, thus fostering equal opportunities for rural youth to engage in organised sports activities.
Recognising the efforts and achievements of local athletes, the Himachal Pradesh Government has awarded a total incentive of Rs 7,22,500 to sportspersons from the district who have represented Himachal in various national-level competitions. Deputy Commissioner Khimta highlighted that these financial rewards are not only a form of recognition but also a motivational tool that encourages young talent to pursue excellence with greater dedication.
In addition to developing infrastructure, the administration is also focusing on improving safety and management at sports facilities. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officials to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in the Indoor Shooting Range and across the indoor complex. This step is aimed at ensuring security, better maintenance, and accountability in the usage of public sports assets.
During the meeting, registration fees for using different facilities at the stadium were also finalised. These include badminton, table tennis, the gym and the shooting range. The fee is structured to ensure affordability for the general public while supporting the upkeep and management of the facilities.
The meeting was conducted by District Youth Services and Sports Officer Bhupender Verma, who welcomed the Deputy Commissioner and coordinated the proceedings. The session witnessed participation from Himendra Bali, Deputy Director of Higher Education, along with presidents of various sports associations and several government and non-government members of the council.
Himachal Tribune