Arki, August 30: Arki MLA Sanjay Awasthi on Sunday said sports play a vital role in developing discipline, leadership, self-confidence, cooperation and team spirit among youth. He stressed the need to encourage youngsters to participate in sports and other creative activities to keep them away from social evils such as drug addiction.
Awasthi was speaking after inaugurating the three-day block-level Under-19 boys’ sports competition at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Bhumati, in the Arki Assembly constituency. As many as 334 players from 22 schools are participating in the competition.
The MLA said sports were an important means of ensuring the all-round development of students. He said rural areas of Himachal Pradesh had no dearth of sporting talent, but young athletes needed proper platforms and opportunities to showcase their abilities.
“School-level competitions provide young athletes with an opportunity to display their talent and prepare for higher-level competitions,” he said, urging participants to compete in the true sporting spirit and give their best without worrying about victory or defeat.
Awasthi said promoting education and sports in the Arki Assembly constituency was among his priorities. He added that efforts were being made to provide students with a better educational environment and adequate facilities for sports and other co-curricular activities.
He said Himachal Pradesh’s youth were making their mark at national and international sporting events and encouraged students to pursue their goals through hard work, discipline and regular practice.
The MLA said the state government, under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, was giving special attention to education and sports and working to provide students with quality education, opportunities to develop their sporting talent and better facilities.
Earlier, Awasthi took the salute during the march-past, interacted with players from various schools and wished them success in the competition. Students also presented cultural programmes on the occasion.
Awasthi announced a grant of Rs 3 lakh for constructing additional parking space in Bhumati Gram Panchayat and Rs 21,000 for the organising committee. He also announced 41 sports uniforms for students of Government Model Senior Secondary School, Bhumati, along with funds for constructing an open gym. He further announced Rs 5,100 from his discretionary fund for the children who participated in the cultural programme.
The MLA also heard the grievances of local residents and directed officials of the concerned departments to resolve their problems on priority.
Awasthi attends blood donation camp
Earlier, Awasthi attended a blood donation camp organised by the Arki unit of the Sant Nirankari Mission. He said blood donated by volunteers helped save precious lives every day and urged people to come forward and donate blood regularly.
