Anurag Thakur Named President Of Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association

Former union minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur was unanimously elected as the President of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association on Sunday.

His election took place during the Annual General Meeting of the association.

Virender Kanwar, the outgoing president, was unanimously chosen as the chief patron. MLA Chopal Balbir Verma was elected as senior vice president, while Rajesh Bhandari was appointed general secretary. Amitabh Sharma was named treasurer.

Ishwar Rohal, Usha Barowalia, and Narender Atri were elected as vice presidents, with Raj Kumar Nittu, Dr. Rahul Pathania, and Ramesh Chauhan becoming joint secretaries.

Thakur outlined the association’s main priorities and emphasized the importance of strengthening sports infrastructure throughout

the state, increasing the number of qualified coaches for all Olympic disciplines, and promoting grassroots participation to nurture emerging talent.

He also discussed creating a self-sustaining model for the development and management of Olympic sports in the state.

Thakur highlighted the unique natural potential of the state as a hub for high-altitude and endurance sports, suggesting these areas should receive special attention within the state’s sports development strategy.

He congratulated the newly elected office bearers and expressed confidence that the team will work collectively to improve the state’s sports ecosystem, ensuring transparent, effective, and visionary administration.