Shimla: Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister, said that the State Government would motivate corporate sector to come forward in contributing towards promotion of sports activities in the State. He was speaking on the occasion of Prize Distribution Function of three-day long 19th Senior Men and 7th Senior Women North India Boxing Championship, organised by Himachal Pradesh Boxing Association, here today.

Chief Minister said that the State had a large establishment of corporate which could be instrumental in supplementing the endeavours of the State Government towards creation of quality sports infrastructure in the State and channelize energy of the youth in right perspective and prevent them falling prey to drugs. He said that cement companies, ACC and Ambuja were partially funding two synthetic athletic tracks being constructed at Dharamshala and Hamirpur at a cost of Rs. eight crore each to create world class athletic training infrastructure to local youth.

Prof. Dhumal said that the State Government had decided to give a cash prize of Rs. one crore, Rs. 50 lakh and Rs. 25 lakh to any person belonging to Himachal Pradesh and winning Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals respectively in the forthcoming Olympic Games in Great Britain. He said that the State Government was also providing three percent reservation to outstanding sportspersons in government service and so far 300 sportspersons had been provided employment under the quota. He said that various other benefits had also been disbursed to outstanding sports persons in the State.

Chief Minister welcomed the participants from different northern states to Himachal Pradesh and said that he was impressed with the sportsman spirit exhibited by both women and men during the final bouts of the boxing championship.

Prof. Dhumal gave away prizes to the winners of Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals of the Championship.

In women section Haryana was adjudged as overall Champion and Punjab as Runner-Up. In Men's category Haryana was declared as over all best team and Chandigarh as Runner-Up. Shri Dheeraj of Punjab was declared Best Boxer in Men's Category and Ms. Mamta of Haryana as Best Boxer in Women category.

Shri Rajesh Bhandari, Secretary, HP Boxing Association, welcomed the Chief Minister and said that 130 boxers from five different northern states were participating in the Championship. He said that eight boxers participating in the Championship had qualified for Olympics.

Shri R.S.Gupta, Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister and Director, Youth Services and Sports, Dr. C.K.Jerath, President, North Zone Boxing Association, other prominent people were present on the occasion.