Sukhu inaugurates South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship in Shimla
Boost to sports culture in Himachal
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship-2026 at the Indira Gandhi State Sports Complex Shimla. The championship will continue until 11th April, 2026 and features participation from over 100 players representing five countries including India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Congratulating the participants, the Chief Minister said that such an event was being organised in the state for the first time. He said that the state government was making every effort to strengthen sports infrastructure to encourage youth to adopt sports as a profession.
He said that sports provide a positive direction to youth and help instill discipline, dedication and leadership qualities. He said that active participation in sports also encourages youth to stay away from social evils such as drug abuse.
MLA Harish Janartha, Principal Advisor (Media) Naresh Chauhan, Director of Youth Services and Sports Shivam Pratap Singh, Regional Vice Chairman of the Asia Table Tennis Union Shekhar Gautam, Chairman Himachal Pradesh Table Tennis Association T.P. Chopra, General Secretary Adhish Rana along with other office bearers were present on the occasion.