Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini declared that the state has established itself as India’s sports powerhouse. Speaking at the Sports Fitness and Infrastructure Expo held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Chief Minister highlighted that despite accounting for just 2% of the nation’s population, Haryana consistently contributes the highest share of medals for India across global events like the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. The event was attended by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Saini remarked that initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India have transformed sports into a national development movement. He stated that fitness is no longer merely a personal choice, but a core necessity for achieving the vision of a Developed India. He commended the dedication of the state’s youth, emphasizing that a culture of resilience and hard work transfers seamlessly from rural playfields to international sports arenas.
To support its athletes, the Haryana government offers cash awards of up to ₹6 crore for gold medalists in major international games. Over the past 12 years, the state has transferred ₹730 crore directly to the bank accounts of 17,182 athletes. The government also provides monthly sports scholarships ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 for young athletes aged 8 to 19, alongside direct government appointments in Group A, B, and C cadres for 260 outstanding sportspersons.
Infrastructure development remains a key focus, with approximately ₹1,100 crore invested over the last 12 years. The state currently operates nearly 2,000 sports nurseries and 25 sports academies, providing a daily diet allowance of ₹500 per player. Furthermore, North India’s first state-of-the-art scientific training and rehabilitation center was established in Panchkula at a cost of ₹10 crore.
Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards substance abuse, Chief Minister Saini noted that physical health and sports engagement serve as effective deterrents against drugs. Referring to a recent marathon in Yamunanagar that drew nearly one lakh youth, he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a drug-free environment. He concluded by reiterating the state’s dedication to fulfilling the mandate set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prepare the next generation of champions for upcoming global events.
The expo was attended by Delhi Sports Minister Ashish Sood, Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam, and Director General of Information, Public Relations and Languages Department K. Makarand Pandurang.
