Thoda Sport Reflects Himachal-Uttarakhand’s Rich Heritage: Vikramaditya Singh
Shimla, October 27, 2026: Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has described Thoda, the traditional martial sport of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as a symbol of the two states’ centuries-old sporting and cultural heritage.
Singh made the remarks while attending the closing ceremony of the first inter-state Thoda Sports and Cultural Competition at the Tehsil Sports Complex in Chopal. He said the state government was committed to preserving Himachal’s cultural traditions and promoting traditional sports among young people.
Highlighting development initiatives, Singh said road projects worth approximately ₹255 crore were underway in the Chopal Assembly constituency over the past four years. He added that 17 roads worth around ₹150 crore had been approved, with work already started on several projects.
The minister said approximately ₹250 crore had been approved for the Chhaila-Yashwantnagar road, which is expected to benefit horticulturists and farmers in Chopal, Rohru, Rampur, Jubbal-Kotkhai and Theog. He also announced that work on the Nerwa bypass and a 60-metre-span bridge would begin soon, with the necessary clearances secured.
Singh further said around ₹70 crore had been sanctioned for repairing and reconstructing roads, retaining structures and bridges damaged by heavy rainfall in 2025, with ₹20 crore received as the first instalment.
He said the demand for a national highway in the Chopal area would be raised again with the Central Government. He also assured support for sewerage facilities and a multi-storey building in Chopal Nagar Panchayat and announced a contribution of ₹51,000 to the local fair committee.
The minister urged panchayat representatives to complete land-transfer formalities and Forest Rights Act clearances promptly to help increase the number of proposed roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana from 13 to 23–25.
Congress leader Rajneesh Kimta attended the event as a special guest. Local representatives, officials and members of the Thoda Sports and Cultural Federation were also present.
Samagra Sikhsha
