Governor emphasis to develop sports spirit in youth

Shimla, June 17, 2017: Governor Acharya Devvrat emphasized on developing more sports spirit in the youth so that they could be saved from social evils like drug abuse.

The Governor was speaking at the program organized on the occasion of Olympic torch (race) from Shimla to Hamirpur in the first phase of the Himachal State Olympic Games by the Himachal Olympic Association at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla.

He said that Himachal is known as Dev Bhoomi and it was also called Veer Bhoomi and Himachal Olympic Association has stepped towards making it the Land of Game, which was commendable. Congratulated the efforts of the Association, he said there was no dearth of sports talent in the state but efforts should be made to facilitate them and to make them interested in sports.

He expressed concern over the growing tendency of drugs in the youth and said that only remedy of it was the games. As much as sports spirit develops in the younger generation, they would be able to put the energy in positive direction. He appreciated the efforts of the organizers' and said that their initiative would help in developing a new environment of sports in the state.

On this occasion, MP and President, Himachal Olympic Association Shri Anurag Thakur welcomed the Governor and said that the Olympic torch would pass through Solan, Una and finally reached at Hamirpur and more than 50 thousand children were expected to join the race. Many former Olympians and international players would also participate in this race, he added. He said " Himachal will win if youth will run ". He also introduced Mascot of Himachal Olympic Games named "Jeetu" which is a symbol of snow Leopard.

President of Asian Kabaddi Association Mr. Janardhan Gehlot also expressed his views on this occasion.

Shri Rajesh Bhandari, General Secretary, Himachal Olympic Association detailed about the activities of the Association.

Later, the Governor handed over the Olympic torch to the player.

Earlier, The Governor also honoured the International players on the occasion.