After the controversy surrounding the State players being tested positive for banned substance before Rio Olympics last year, Haryana Government has decided to launch anti-doping campaign in the State.
“With a view to acquaint the sportspersons about the anti-doping information, banners and boards having do’s and don’ts would be installed in all sports complexes and nurseries and other important places in the state,” said Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Anil Vij while inaugurating the first State-level Anti Doping Seminar organised in Panchkula near here.
Besides, seminars at district level will be organised to spread awareness about banned drugs. All district sports officers have been directed to work as master trainers so as to train the sports persons in their respective areas and contribute in this anti-doping campaign, said Vij.
Haryana had contributed 20 players, maximum for a State, to the 121-member Indian contingent at Rio. Haryana lad Dharambir, who became the first Indian male sprinter to qualify for the Olympics after 36 years and wrestler Narsingh Yadav had flunked dope tests and were not allowed to participate in Rio Olympics.
On the issue of presence of multiple Olympic associations in Haryana, Vij said that multiple associations are proving to be detrimental to the health of sports. He said that in the matter of cricket, the Supreme Court took cognizance and we hope for other sports too such a decision will come some day to set things right.
“The State Government is taking a number of steps to promote sports in Haryana. However, there are some difficulties which are being faced as two-three Olympic Associations are functioning in the state,” said the Sports Minister.
The Sports Minister also announced that to provide immediate medical-aid to the sportspersons, the government would set up a Sports Injury Centre at PGIMS, Rohtak.
He said that services of international coaches would also be sought for providing high level training to the sportsperson in Haryana so that they could excel in various sports competitions at national and international level and bring laurels for the state and the country.
Vij said that the proposal of Sports University in Rai, Sonipat would also be got approved in the next session of Haryana Vidhan Sabha and for this, all formalities have been completed.