Grand Opening of National Football Tournament; Dharamshala to be Developed as an International Sports City
Dharamshala, April 27:
Tourism Corporation Chairman with Cabinet rank, R.S. Bali, announced that Dharamshala will be developed into an international-level sports city. He highlighted that the city already boasts several major sports facilities, including a synthetic track, indoor stadium, SAI Hostel, and the world-renowned cricket stadium. Additionally, a new project to build an ice skating and roller skating rink at Sakoh, Dharamshala, has been proposed. For this ₹45 crore project, 65 kanals of land have already been transferred to the Department of Tourism.
Speaking at the grand inauguration of the National Football Tournament held at the Police Ground in Dharamshala — organized in memory of martyrs Major Durga Mal and Captain Dal Bahadur — R.S. Bali said that Beed-Billing in Kangra district has emerged as an international paragliding destination. The government is making serious efforts to further develop this site with state-of-the-art facilities. Recently, the Hon’ble Chief Minister inaugurated a paragliding school and parking facility in Beed. Bali also mentioned that initiatives are underway to promote tourism, water sports, and adventure activities in the Pong area.
He described the hosting of the football tournament as a commendable initiative, emphasizing that sports, exercise, and yoga are crucial in helping youth resist the growing menace of drug abuse. He urged young people to reject negativity and lethargy and to spend more time in open spaces and on the playing field.
Earlier, Hemant Kumar Gurung, chairman of the organizing committee, welcomed the chief guest and provided detailed insights about the event. Colorful cultural performances by children added vibrancy to the occasion. The chief guest also honored several achievers: Aakriti for excellence in athletics, Anshul in kabaddi, Randeep for academic achievements, and Sonu Kumar, a dedicated blood donor.
As a token of support, the chief guest personally sanctioned ₹50,000 for the tournament.
The inaugural match of the tournament was played between Shah Football Club Shampura, Chandigarh, and Customs New Delhi, with Customs New Delhi clinching a 2-0 victory.
Dr. Surendra Thapa, Deputy Chief of Mission, Nepal, graced the event as a special guest, along with former Mayor Devendra Jaggi, Councilors Anurag and Harbhajan Chaudhary, Ramesh Pappi, and several other dignitaries.
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