DHARMSHALA: Anurag Thakur, Member of Parliament urged Dalip Singh Rana popularly known as 'Great Khali' to set up a Sports Academy in Himachal Pradesh so that talented sportsmen get an opportunity to train themselves in various sports.

This follows a meeting between the two here on Wednesday evening. Khali was here for a day.

Anurag Thakur said that Great Khali has made his name at International level in the sports and this was a matter of honour for the State and also inspiration to the budding talents.

Thakur who is also President of H.P. Cricket Association said that he will take up the matter with the State Government to make 'Great Khali' brand ambassador of Himachal Pradesh in the larger interest of the State which would go a long way in exposing Himachal Pradesh at national and international level.

Anurag Thakur told Khali that Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association was putting sincere efforts for promotion of Cricket and other sports in Himachal Pradesh and added that it was due to the efforts of the Association that State has been able to organize international cricket matches. He said that cricket stadiums were being constructed in every district of the State at a cost of Rs. 5 crore each.