Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh felicitated Sub. Major Vijay Kumar on conferring Ati Vishisth Seva Medal (AVSM) during Defence Investiture Ceremony-II by the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi.

Chief Minister said that Vijay Kumar who is from Village Harsaur of Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh won Silver Medal in recent Olympics and he brought laurel not only to the State but also to the Nation.

He said that State Government emphasis to promote and develop sports activities in the State. He said that in order to develop sports infrastructure and promote sports talent of youth in the State, new infrastructure was being developed.

Virbhadra Singh said that State Government would construct new stadiums to boost and encourage sports activities and the existing stadiums would also be upgraded.

Chief Minister said that cash prize is being given to the outstanding sports persons of the state, has been doubled in current fiscal and the award money of Parshuram Awardees has been enhanced from existing Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000.

He said that for the development of Youth Services and Sports a budget provision of Rs. 24 crore had been made for the year 2013-14.