Shimla: Promoting holistic development of the players who participate in National, State and International sports competition, the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has issued directions to various sports bodies to consider them as being present during the period they represent India at National and International Sports events, as per the press release from state govenment.
This approach is likely aimed at fostering well-rounded individuals who excel in both academics and sports.
He said that currently, students participating in events organized by various sports associations, federations, or boards are marked absent in schools due to lack of special leave provisions. This not only affects their attendance but also their internal assessments.
For the first time in the state such progressive decision has been taken under which it has now been mandated that participation certificates or letters issued by recognized sports bodies will serve as valid proof for participation in National and Sports events. Schools have been directed to mark such students on ‘special leave’ instead of marking them absent, similar to the provisions followed for the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) competitions.
“It should be ensured that the schools should not show such days as absent but should record them as special leave attendance in the attendance register”, he remarked.
“This reflects a shift towards an integrated approach where sports and academics complement each other,” the Chief Minister stated.
To mark presence in schools, highlights a move towards a more integrated and balanced approach to student development, where academics and sports are seen as complementary aspects of a student’s overall growth, said the Chief Minister.
Besides this, the state government has taken a remarkable step towards promoting sports and honouring the achievements of the athletes of the state. In a historic move Chief Minister stated that 21 International medal winners were awarded cash prizes worth Rs. 14.77 crore with increased prize money which marks a significant shift in how the state recognizes and values the hard work, dedication and International success of its sportspersons.
The highest cash award was presented to Paralympian Nishad Kumar from Una district, who received Rs. 7.80 crore for his outstanding achievements in high jump at various para-games, including the prestigious Tokyo Paralympics. Ajay Kumar a para-athlete from Mandi, was awarded Rs. 2.50 crore for his medal-winning performance in the 400 meter race.