New Delhi [India], February 26 (HBTV): Nayab Singh Saini said Haryana has emerged as a sports powerhouse, asserting that the state is no longer known only for agriculture but also for producing champions at national and international levels.
Addressing a gathering at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Gurugram after inaugurating the Chief Minister’s Cup and distributing awards to medal winners of the 38th National Games, the Chief Minister awarded prize money worth about INR 24 crore to 417 medal winners and participating players.
He also honoured hockey player Savita Punia. The Chief Minister said the event celebrated Haryana’s sporting talent, discipline and determination.
He said 689 players from Haryana participated in 33 sports at the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand and won 153 medals, including 48 gold, 47 silver and 58 bronze.
The Chief Minister said gold medal winners of the National Games are being given INR 7 lakh, silver medal winners INR 5 lakh and bronze medal winners INR 3 lakh. Participants are also receiving INR 51,000 each as encouragement.
Encouraging participants of the Chief Minister’s Cup, he said 3,600 players are taking part in six sports during the three-day event. Cash prizes of INR 1 lakh for gold, INR 70,000 for silver and INR 50,000 for bronze winners will be awarded.
Referring to initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said sports have become a medium of nation-building and that healthy youth form the foundation of a developed India.
The Chief Minister said the state government has spent INR 989 crore over the past 11 years on sports infrastructure. The sports budget has increased from INR 275 crore in 2014-15 to INR 602.18 crore in the current financial year. He added that Olympic, Paralympic and other international medal winners are being given cash awards of up to INR 6 crore.
He said a Sports University has been established at Rai in Sonipat district to strengthen sports education and training.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Gaurav Gautam said 153 out of 689 Haryana players who participated in the 38th National Games won medals, enhancing the state’s reputation.
Referring to Mission Olympics 2036, he said efforts are underway to shape Haryana into a sporting hub, with schemes aimed at developing academies, centres of excellence and international-level training facilities. The initiative also includes free medical treatment up to INR 20 lakh for injured players, insurance cover, concessional loans and professional coaching support.
(ANI)