International-level astroturf hockey field to be constructed at Kahloor Sports Complex

An international-level astroturf hockey field is set to be constructed at the Kahloor sports complex in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh, with an estimated cost of approximately seven crore rupees. This development was announced by the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Anurag Thakur, during the inauguration of the 33rd three-day sports competition of Saraswati All India Education Institutions in Himachal Pradesh, held at the Luhnu Indoor Stadium.

Thakur mentioned that in addition to the hockey field, a cricket stadium of national significance, an athletics field costing eight crore rupees, and other sports infrastructure have been developed in the district. The installation of an astro turf on the hockey field will provide national and international-level facilities to players from Bilaspur and neighboring districts.

Saraswati schools are known for imparting education along with values and discipline to students. However, these schools have also focused on sports infrastructure development by spending more than six crore rupees from the Member of Parliament (MP) fund. Members of the Himachal Pradesh Education Committee have been directed to ensure that students above the sixth grade are encouraged to develop skills in one or the other field, be it education, sports, or culture.

Furthermore, a three-day athletics competition involving 312 athletes from Bilaspur, Solan, Sirmaur, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, and Kangra districts is underway. Various athletic events, such as long jump, high jump, shot put, javelin throw, and cross-country races, are part of this competition. The program also featured cultural events presented by students. Dignitaries like Mohan Lal Kestha, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Education Committee, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, State Sports Coordinator Yugal Kishore, and others attended the event.