Sukhu Appreciates ‘Shimla Cricket Carnival 2026’, To AttendClosing Ceremony on June 13
Today, members of the ‘Himalayan Sports and Cultural Youth Club Shimla’ paid a courtesy visit to the
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, at the State Secretariat.
During this special meeting, the delegation briefed the Chief Minister in detail about the upcoming
‘Shimla Cricket Carnival 2026’, which is being organized from June 1 to June 13, 2026, at the Police
Ground Bharari, Shimla.
The delegation apprised the Chief Minister of the two main social objectives associated with this
grand tournament—”Chitta-Free Shimla” (Drug-Free Shimla) and “Environmental Protection”.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was invited to attend the closing ceremony of the carnival on
June 13 as the Chief Guest. The Hon’ble Chief Minister highly praised this unique initiative to keep
the youth away from drugs and connect them with sports. He gladly accepted the invitation and
confirmed his presence.
On this significant occasion, the Hon’ble Mayor of Shimla Municipal Corporation, Shri Surender
Chauhan, MLA of Arki Assembly Constituency, Shri Sanjay Awasthi, Chairman of the Shimla Cricket
Carnival, Shri Manoj Chauhan, and President Shri Virender Banshtu were specially present.
Key Highlights of the Shimla Cricket Carnival 2026:
Anti-Drug Mega Campaign: This carnival is not just a tournament but a mass movement against the
rising menace of Chitta (drugs) in the city, operating with the core mantra of “Quit Drugs – Play
Sports.”
Massive Participation: Over 1,000 young players from all 34 wards of the Shimla Municipal
Corporation are participating in this event, making the journey from street cricket to professional
knockouts.
‘One Tree for Every Dot Ball’ for the Environment: To promote environmental conservation, the
committee has introduced a unique initiative where one tree will be planted for every ‘dot ball’
bowled throughout the tournament.
First-Ever Day-Night Matches: For the first time in the history of Shimla, cricket matches will be
played both day and night under floodlights at the Police Ground Bharari.
Dedicated to Former Colleagues: The Himalayan Sports and Cultural Youth Society Shimla is
dedicating this cricket carnival to its late former members—Shri Sanjeev Thakur, Shri Amit Thakur,
Shri Neeraj Thakur, and Shri Avinash Negi—who tragically lost their lives during the Shiv Bawdi
disaster in 2023.
The organizers stated that this carnival will serve as a powerful medium to channel the energy of the
youth in the right direction and promote sportsmanship along with environmental responsibility in
society.
For more information, please visit the official website: www.shimlacricketcarnival.com.
