Haryana Has Emerged as the Sports Powerhouse of the Country- Chief Minister

Chandigarh, July 30- Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana has emerged as the sports powerhouse of the country. Although Haryana accounts for only 2 per cent of the country's population, the largest number of medal-winning athletes in the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games are from the State, bringing laurels to both Haryana and the nation. 

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering at the Sports, Fitness and Infrastructure Expo organised at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on Thursday. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya attended the event as the Chief Guest. 

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the event was not merely an exhibition but a confluence of dreams and aspirations, where the immense potential of the country's youth could be witnessed. He said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi has given a new direction and a distinct identity to sports in the country. Initiatives such as Fit India and Khelo India have transformed sports from being merely a competition into a movement for nation-building.

Fitness, he said, is no longer just a personal habit but has become a necessity for a Viksit Bharat. He added that he is proud that the event would not only showcase Haryana's medal-winning journey but also present the Haryana Sports Model before the country. 

*Haryana Leads the Medal Tally*

The Chief Minister said that Haryana reflects not only a vibrant sporting culture but also a clear vision that has transformed this small State into India's greatest sporting power. While Haryana accounts for only 2 per cent of the country's population, it stands at the forefront whenever medals are counted.

He said that the spirit of excellence among the State's athletes is deeply rooted in its soil. Here, a child does not merely learn to play in someone's lap but learns to compete on the playing field. Struggle becomes a part of life from an early age, carrying young sportspersons from the lanes of villages to the global sporting arena.

*Cash Awards of up to Rs. 6 Crore for Medal Winners*

The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is providing cash awards of up to Rs. 6 crore to sportspersons winning gold medals in the Olympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. He said that during the last 12 years, Rs. 730 crore has been transferred directly into the bank accounts of 17,182 sportspersons. 

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the State Government has made a provision to provide a monthly scholarship of Rs. 1,500 to players in the 8 to 14 years age group, while players in the 15 to 19 years age group are being provided a monthly scholarship of Rs. 2,000. He further said that the Haryana Government has provided direct government employment to 260 outstanding sportspersons in Group A, Group B and Group C categories. 

Highlighting the Government's commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that nearly Rs. 1,100 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure over the past 12 years. He said that nearly 2,000 sports nurseries and 25 sports academies are operational across the State, where a daily diet allowance of Rs. 500 per player is being provided. 

The Chief Minister further said that North India's first state-of-the-art Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre has been established at Panchkula at a cost of Rs. 10 crore.

*Zero Tolerance Against Drugs* 

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that he himself participates in a marathon with the youth every month. Referring to the marathon organised recently in Yamunanagar, he said that nearly one lakh youth participated alongside him.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah, the Government is working with complete seriousness to protect the youth from the menace of drugs. He asserted that no element attempting to spread drug abuse among the youth would be spared.

*Prime Minister Set the Target at Jind Rally* 

The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi's vision of a Viksit Bharat can be realised only when the country's youth are healthy, physically fit and full of self-confidence. 

He said that at the Jind rally, the Prime Minister has set a target for Haryana to prepare the next generation for the upcoming Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games. This, he said, reflects Haryana's capability as well as the Prime Minister's unwavering confidence in the State. 

*Chief Minister Motivates Sportspersons*

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini urged sportspersons not to be discouraged by defeat or carried away by victory. He encouraged them to become better with each passing day, saying that while medals are a recognition of hard work, the ultimate goal of every true sportsperson should be to bring glory to the nation. 

Delhi Home, Education and Sports Minister,  Sh. Ashish Sood; Bihar Sports Minister,  Ms. Shreyasi Singh, Haryana Sports Minister, Sh. Gaurav Gautam,  Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Haryana, Sh. K. Makrand Pandurang and other distinguished dignitaries also remained present on the occasion.