MANDI (Munish Sood)
The lone sports ground in Jogindernagar subdivision in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh is on the verge of transformation as the installation of 18 solar lights is nearing completion.
This significant upgrade will enable athletes to practice late into the night and encourage local youth to spend more time engaging in sports activities.
Ornamental railings are also being installed around the field to enhance its aesthetics and protect it from stray animals. The development initiative by the Himachal Pradesh government aim to strengthen rural sports infrastructure and promote youth engagement in healthy activities.
The state government is investing Rs 34 lakh for the development of Jogindernagar’s sports ground. This amount is being utilised for the construction of a boundary wall, the installation of decorative grills and the placement of solar lights. As of now, around 60% of the work has been completed.
Once the project is finalized, the ground will boast superior facilities, providing a boost to sports activities in the region. The upgraded infrastructure is also expected to help youth steer clear of social menaces like drug abuse by encouraging them to embrace sports and fitness.
Ground of national significance
Jogindernagar’s sports ground holds immense value for athletes from both the urban and rural areas of the region. It regularly hosts a variety of sports, including cricket, football, basketball and athletics.
Over the years, the ground has nurtured talent that has gone on to represent India at national and international levels, bringing accolades to the state and the nation.
The ground has also contributed significantly to employment, with many local youth receiving training here and later joining the Army, paramilitary forces and the police.
Strengthening sports infra at grassroots
The Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government has been proactively working to strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Initiatives such as increasing diet allowances and travel reimbursements for athletes participating in competitions, as well as enhancing facilities at sports hostels, are encouraging youth to take up sports professionally.
Manish Chaudhary, Jogindernagar SDM and chairman of the Sports Ground Committee, confirmed that the government has allocated Rs 34 lakh for the ground’s development.
He stated that the funds are being utilised for the installation of solar lights, boundary walls, and ornamental grills through the Public Works Department.
“Approximately 60% of the work is already complete and we are confident that athletes will soon have access to state-of-the-art facilities to enhance their training experience,” Chaudhary said.