Haryana CM attends sports, fitness expo in Delhi
Haryana Chief Minister 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 CM 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 Mansukh Mandaviya attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, 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 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.
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.
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. 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.
Chief Minister motivates sportspersons: Chief Minister 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, Ashish Sood; Bihar Sports Minister, Shreyasi Singh, Haryana Sports Minister, Gaurav Gautam, Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Haryana, K Makrand Pandurang and other distinguished dignitaries also remained present on the occasion.
