Landmark decision brings martial arts athletes into mainstream sports policy
Munish Sood
MANDI
In a landmark policy decision, the Himachal Pradesh Government has officially included kickboxing under the 3% sports quota for government employment, granting long-awaited recognition to athletes of this growing combat sport. The move, approved during the Cabinet meeting held on October 25, extends the benefit across all departments from Class A to Class D services.
This decision places kickboxing at par with other recognised sports disciplines, ensuring that eligible players can now avail reservation benefits in recruitment to government posts.
Kickboxing received full recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, in 2021, but its inclusion in Himachal Pradesh’s employment policy had remained pending. Acting on the persistent demand of athletes and associations, the state government under Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has now addressed this gap, signalling a strong commitment to sports development and athlete welfare.
Recognition of years of effort
Welcoming the decision, Sanjay Kumar Yadav (Parashuram Awardee), general secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Amateur Kickboxing Association, said the move will open new avenues for players who have represented the state and the nation with distinction.
“This decision is a milestone for Himachal’s sporting community. It will motivate young athletes to take up kickboxing seriously and will help expand the sport’s reach across the state,” Yadav stated.
He added that the association will soon meet Chief Minister Sukhu to express gratitude on behalf of all athletes and officials.
Congratulating the Himachal Pradesh Amateur Kickboxing Association, WAKO India Kickboxing Federation president Santosh Agarwal termed the decision a “historic moment for Indian kickboxing.”
“This is the result of years of hard work, unity, and consistent performance by Himachal’s players and officials. Equal opportunities in public service will strengthen the future of kickboxing and encourage many more youngsters to take up the sport,” he said.
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm among sportspersons and officials across Himachal. Those who expressed appreciation include Amit Pal Singh (state president), Sumit Verma (acting president), Tilak Raj Sharma (senior vice-president), Anil Kumar and Upendra Sharma (vice-presidents), technical director Hans Raj Sharma and district representative Sunil Rotha (Shimla), coach Ram, Ishan Sharma (Director, Chinmaya Vidyalaya Solan), Major Shyam, Harish Laktu, Virender Jagitha, Krishan Lal (Chief Coach, Mandi District), Manoj Patial, Arun Bhardwaj, Shashi Kant, Vijay Kumar, Sunny Lalta and Lucky Bhardwaj.
