Government Committed to building a strong sports culture in Haryana: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, July 7
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini distributed cash awards worth Rs 20.59 crore to 198 sportspersons for their achievements at international and national sporting events, reiterating the state government’s commitment to building a strong sporting culture that nurtures talent and rewards excellence.
Addressing the cash award distribution ceremony at the PWD Rest House Auditorium, Sector-1, Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the government’s vision extends beyond winning medals to creating an ecosystem where every talented athlete gets opportunities and recognition. “We are not merely distributing cash awards but laying a strong foundation for sporting excellence that will contribute to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat‘,” he said. Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam was also present at the event.
The Chief Minister presented Rs 13.75 crore to 117 sportspersons for outstanding performances in international competitions, Rs 2.32 crore to three medallists of the 2022 Para Asian Games and Rs 4.52 crore to 78 national-level sportspersons. Highlighting the state’s sustained support for athletes, Saini said the Haryana Government has disbursed Rs 709 crore in cash rewards to 16,984 sportspersons over the past 12 years. With the latest awards, the total cash incentives provided to athletes have reached nearly Rs 730 crore.
Congratulating the awardees, the Chief Minister said that while the moment of winning a medal is brief, it is the result of years of dedication, discipline and perseverance. He expressed confidence that Haryana’s athletes would continue to bring laurels to both the state and the nation. Referring to legendary athletes such as Milkha Singh, Murlikant Petkar and Mary Kom, Saini said their journeys demonstrate that determination and resilience can overcome even the toughest challenges. He added that despite accounting for only about two per cent of India’s population, Haryana contributes more than one-third of the country’s medals in major international sporting events. He also praised the performances of Haryana’s athletes at the Paris Olympics, Paralympic Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
Interacting with the sportspersons, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, they would continue winning medals for India at the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games. Speaking on the role of technology in sports, Saini said Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making training more scientific by helping analyse fitness, predict injury risks, assess opponents’ strategies and improve performance. However, he emphasised that AI can never replace an athlete’s passion, patriotism or the emotions experienced while standing on the victory podium with the tricolour.
He urged athletes to embrace technological advancements while preserving the determination, discipline and human values that define true champions. The Chief Minister also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the state government to strengthen sports in Haryana. He said 260 sportspersons have been provided government jobs under the Outstanding Sportspersons Recruitment Rules, while the sports gradation policy has been amended to extend benefits to athletes participating in the Haryana State Games. He said the monthly honorarium for recipients of the Khel Ratna, Dronacharya, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Tenzing Norgay awards has been increased to Rs 20,000, while Bhim Award recipients receive Rs 5,000 per month.
Saini further said the government has established 2,000 sports nurseries across the state, is providing monthly scholarships of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 to athletes aged 8 to 19 years, and has introduced a daily diet allowance of Rs 500 for trainees at 25 residential sports academies. The Chief Minister said the state has invested Rs 1,100 crore in sports infrastructure over the past 12 years. During the same period, the Sports Department’s budget has increased more than fourfold, from Rs 163 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 668.42 crore. He also highlighted the establishment of North India’s first ‘A-Star’ Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex, Panchkula, at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam said Haryana has emerged as a sports hub under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. He said the government is strengthening sports infrastructure and providing world-class facilities to help athletes excel at national and international competitions. He said the state has launched ‘Mission-2036’ with the goal of winning 36 Olympic medals and is upgrading sports infrastructure across Haryana at a cost of nearly Rs 300 crore. Gautam added that Haryana’s sports policy continues to receive appreciation across the country for encouraging athletes and producing exceptional sporting performances.
Former Assembly Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, Mayor Sham Lal Bansal, BJP District President Ajay Mittal, BJP State Vice President Banto Kataria, Sports Department Director Parth Gupta, along with distinguished athletes, coaches and other dignitaries, were also present on the occasion.
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