Under-19 Girls’ Zonal Sports Meet Begins at Neen in Shimla Rural
Shimla, September 1: Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the zonal-level Under-19 girls’ sports competition at Government Senior Secondary School, Neen, in the Mashobra development block of Shimla Rural.
The three-day sporting event brings together girls from 15 schools of the Mashobra zone, who will compete in volleyball, kabaddi, kho-kho, badminton, yoga, chess and cultural events.
Addressing the gathering, Singh said sports play an important role in the overall development of students, contributing not only to physical fitness but also to mental well-being. He urged students to maintain a balance between academics, physical activity and a healthy diet.
“Himachal Pradesh’s girls are making the state and the country proud through their performances in various sporting events,” Singh said, adding that the state government was taking steps at the grassroots level to encourage young people to participate in sports and stay away from drugs.
Development works in Neen to be completed in phases
Singh said development of Neen panchayat, which serves as an entry point to the Shimla Rural constituency, remained a priority. He said work was underway to improve roads, ambulance routes, drinking water, healthcare and educational infrastructure in the area.
He said a project worth around ₹14.50 crore had been sanctioned for road construction from Devdhar to Naya Ser and onward to the bridge. The bridge beyond Naya Ser was being constructed at a cost of around ₹5 crore.
Singh said he had recently inspected the ongoing work and efforts would be made to complete the project by March-April and open it to the public. He described the project as important for improving connectivity in the area.
Another road project costing around ₹11 crore has also received approval, he said, adding that work would begin shortly. Work on several link roads in Neen panchayat is also in progress, while administrative approval of around ₹3.50 crore has been granted for the Ayog link road.
Special focus on women in Shimla Rural Sports Mahakumbh
Singh also announced that the upcoming Shimla Rural Sports Mahakumbh would have a special focus on women’s participation.
He said the event would be organised in phases at different locations, including Sunni, with competitions in kabaddi, cricket, badminton and other sports. Special events such as tug-of-war would be organised for women to encourage greater participation.
He appealed to women in the constituency to participate in large numbers and showcase their sporting talent.
The inauguration ceremony also featured colourful cultural performances by students. Singh announced an incentive of ₹31,000 for the students who presented the cultural programme and said necessary equipment for organising school-level events would be provided to Government Senior Secondary School, Neen, shortly.
