Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Athletes hailing from Haryana have delivered a dominant performance at the 2026 Asian Games, securing multiple gold medals and reinforcing the state’s status as India’s premier sporting powerhouse. Haryana Minister for Cooperation, Jails, Tourism, Heritage, and Elections, Dr. Arvind Sharma, extended his congratulations to the podium finishers, stating that their success on the global stage reflects the state’s rigorous sports policy and grassroots athletic culture.
Highlighting the medal winners across diverse disciplines, the minister praised Rohtak’s Parveen Hooda in boxing, Hisar’s Ankush Panghal and Charkhi Dadri’s Sujeet Kalkal in wrestling, alongside Jind’s Kirti Sharma in archery for capturing top honours in their respective events. The state’s marksmen also made significant podium contributions, with Rewari’s Kamaljeet and Jhajjar’s Suruchi securing gold in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team event. Furthermore, the gold-winning Indian men’s kabaddi squad featured eight players from Haryana, demonstrating the state’s enduring dominance in traditional sports.
Dr. Sharma credited the collaborative sporting framework guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini in Haryana. He noted that comprehensive institutional backing, high-calibre coaching infrastructure, and structured incentives have enabled athletes from rural communities and humble backgrounds to excel internationally. The minister affirmed that the state government remains dedicated to felicitating champions and expanding developmental avenues to encourage younger generations to take up competitive athletics.
