Himachal CM Sukhu joins 2,000 at Yoga Day event in Hamirpur
Synopsis
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu marked International Yoga Day in Hamirpur with 2,000 participants — then used the platform to announce a ₹125 crore indoor stadium in Nadaun and cash prizes of up to ₹3 crore for Asian Games gold medallists, signalling a wider state push on sporting infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
CM Sukhvinder Sukhu led the state-level International Yoga Day event on 21 June in Hamirpur district .
Nearly 2,000 participants — including senior citizens, youth, and children — joined the 45-minute yoga session at the SAI Synthetic Track Ground, Anu .
A modern indoor stadium is under construction in Nadaun at approximately ₹125 crore , offering facilities for 14 sports .
Asian Games gold medallists will receive ₹3 crore , silver medallists ₹2 crore , and bronze medallists up to ₹1.5 crore .
The government has also raised athlete diet allowances and enabled air and AC train travel for sportspersons since taking office.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu on Sunday, 21 June led the state-level International Yoga Day celebrations in Hamirpur district, practising yoga for approximately 45 minutes alongside nearly 2,000 participants drawn from across age groups — senior citizens, youth, and children.
How the Event Unfolded
The session was organised by the Department of Ayush at the Synthetic Track Ground of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility at Anu. Chief Minister Sukhu formally inaugurated the programme by lighting a ceremonial lamp and offering prayers to Lord Dhanvantari, the presiding deity of Ayurvedic medicine. He also released a booklet on yoga, compiled by the department, covering key postures and practices in a concise format.
Sukhu's Message to Athletes
Following the yoga session, the Chief Minister interacted with young trainees and athletes at the venue. He reaffirmed the state government's commitment to providing world-class infrastructure to sportspersons. A modern indoor stadium is currently under construction in Nadaun at an estimated cost of approximately ₹125 crore. The facility, slated for dedication to the state's athletes later this year, will offer international-standard infrastructure across 14 sports disciplines, including swimming, badminton, volleyball, and tennis.
Cash Rewards and Athlete Welfare
Sukhu highlighted a revamped cash prize structure for medal winners at major international competitions. Asian Games gold medallists will receive ₹3 crore, silver medallists ₹2 crore, and bronze medallists up to ₹1.5 crore. Athletes excelling at the Olympic Games and other global competitions are also eligible for cash awards running into crores of rupees. The government, he noted, significantly raised the diet allowance for athletes shortly after assuming office three and a half years ago, and has since made provisions for air travel and air-conditioned train journeys for sportspersons.
Infrastructure and Budget Commitments
The Chief Minister also confirmed that adequate budgetary allocations are being made for the repair and renovation of the synthetic track ground at Anu. This comes amid a broader state push to position Himachal Pradesh as a hub for sporting excellence, with the Nadaun stadium representing the flagship project of that effort. The combination of infrastructure investment and performance-linked cash incentives signals a sustained policy shift toward athlete welfare in the hill state.
Point of View
Sukhu used a high-visibility national occasion to reinforce a governance narrative around athlete welfare — an area where hill states have historically underinvested. Whether the ₹125 crore stadium delivers on its 14-sport promise, and whether the prize money actually reaches athletes without bureaucratic delay, will be the real measure of intent. The optics were well-managed; the execution is the harder test.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the Himachal Pradesh International Yoga Day event held?
The state-level event was held at the Synthetic Track Ground of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) facility at Anu in Hamirpur district on 21 June. It was organised by the Department of Ayush.
How many people participated in the yoga session with CM Sukhu?
Nearly 2,000 participants joined Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu for the approximately 45-minute yoga session. The group included senior citizens, youth, and children.
What is the Nadaun indoor stadium announced by CM Sukhu?
A modern indoor stadium is being constructed in Nadaun, Himachal Pradesh, at an estimated cost of approximately ₹125 crore. It will provide international-standard facilities for 14 sports, including swimming, badminton, volleyball, and tennis, and is expected to be dedicated to athletes later this year.
What cash prizes has the Himachal government announced for athletes?
The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced cash rewards for medal winners at major international events. Asian Games gold medallists will receive ₹3 crore, silver medallists ₹2 crore, and bronze medallists up to ₹1.5 crore. Olympic and other international competition achievers are also eligible for crore-level cash awards.
What other welfare measures has the Himachal government introduced for athletes?
Since assuming office three and a half years ago, the government has significantly raised diet allowances for athletes and made provisions for air travel and air-conditioned train journeys. Budgetary allocations are also being made for renovation of the synthetic track ground at Anu.
