Dharamsala, April 16 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Thursday opened the 36th National Masters' Athletics Championship here.

"The meet provides an opportunity to the veteran athletes to maintain their health and happiness," the chief minister said.

In the meet, athletes above the age of 35 are participating.

He said that it was good to see a large number of veterans running and participating in their events. He congratulated the eldest athlete Ramachandra Reddy, 93, from Telangana for participating in the meet.

The chief minister said the state government was committed to harnessing the energy of youth for eradication of social evils, besides motivating them to work for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

Virbhadra Singh announced Rs.10 lakh for the State Masters Athletic Association for carrying out its activities and also assured adequate funding for acoustic hall in the sports complex here.

Over 2,000 men and women athletes are participating in the four-day event.

The winners will participate in the World Masters Athletics Championship to be held in France from August 4 to 16.