Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini honoured 132 medal-winning athletes from the Asian Games and Para Asian Games with cash awards totalling Rs 189.38 crore at a state-level ceremony held at Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani on Friday, October 30. The Chief Minister also announced that Bhim Stadium would be upgraded with modern sports facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore.
Addressing the athletes, Saini said winning a medal might take only a few moments, but athletes dedicate years of their lives to achieving that moment. He said their accomplishments reflected years of practice, sacrifice, determination and the ability to overcome setbacks.
The ceremony recognised Haryana athletes who contributed to India’s medal tally at the Asian Games and Para Asian Games.
Haryana Athletes Won 32 Asian Games Medals and 31 Para Asian Games Medals
Highlighting Haryana’s contribution to India’s performance, Saini said the country secured 85 medals and finished fourth at the Asian Games, with athletes from Haryana winning 32 medals, including 14 gold.
He further said India recorded its best-ever performance at the Para Asian Games with 114 medals. Haryana’s para-athletes contributed 31 medals, including nine gold.
The Chief Minister mentioned several athletes who brought recognition to the state, including boxers Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda, as well as para-athletes Sumit Antil and Pranav Soorma.
He also highlighted the contribution of Haryana players to India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams, which won gold medals and secured qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
Rs 189.38 Crore Awards for 132 Players
According to the Chief Minister, 132 athletes are being awarded a combined Rs 189.38 crore in cash prizes. Eligible players are also being provided government job offer letters under Haryana’s sports policy.
Saini said the state had so far provided Group A, B and C government jobs to 260 outstanding sportspersons under the Haryana Outstanding Sportsperson Recruitment Rules.
He added that amendments had recently been made to the sports gradation policy, extending its benefits to athletes participating in the Haryana State Games. The government has also introduced provisions for advance financial assistance to athletes preparing for international competitions.
The Chief Minister further stated that 17,676 athletes in Haryana had received a cumulative Rs 931 crore in cash awards, including the latest distribution.
Haryana Increases Monthly Honorarium for Award-Winning Athletes
Saini said the government had also increased the monthly honorarium for award-winning sportspersons.
Under the revised provisions, recipients of the Khel Ratna, Dronacharya, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Tenzing Norgay awards receive Rs 20,000 per month. Bhim Award recipients are entitled to Rs 5,000 per month.
He also highlighted the state’s sports infrastructure initiatives, including the establishment of 2,000 sports nurseries for children and young athletes.
Players aged 8 to 14 years are eligible for a monthly scholarship of Rs 1,500, while those aged 15 to 19 years receive Rs 2,000. Haryana has also established 25 residential sports academies, where athletes receive diet assistance of Rs 500 per day.
Rs 1,100 Crore Spent on Sports Infrastructure in Haryana
The Chief Minister said approximately Rs 1,100 crore had been spent on sports infrastructure over the last 12 years.
He stated that the Sports Department’s budget had increased from Rs 163 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 668.42 crore.
He also referred to the advanced scientific training and rehabilitation centre established at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula at a cost of approximately Rs 10 crore. The facility is intended to support athletes through scientific training, injury recovery and rehabilitation.
Saini said modern sports required technology, scientific analysis, specialised equipment, nutrition and recovery facilities. He added that the government wanted such facilities to reach athletes beyond major cities.
Bhiwani’s Bhim Stadium to Get Rs 50 Crore Modernisation
The announcement regarding Bhim Stadium was particularly significant for Bhiwani, which is popularly known as India’s ‘Mini Cuba’ because of its boxing tradition.
The Chief Minister said the stadium would be equipped with modern facilities at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore.
Earlier, Irrigation Minister Shruti Choudhry had requested the government to expand the stadium and improve its facilities for athletes.
She recalled that her father, former minister Chaudhary Surender Singh, had laid the foundation stone of the stadium and regularly visited it for morning practice.
Choudhry said Bhiwani’s athletes had brought recognition to the district and the country through their achievements at national and international competitions.
The district has produced prominent boxers, including Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar, Neetu Ghanghas, Jasmine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Sakshi Chaudhary and Priya Ghanghas.
Haryana Sets Focus on Olympic 2036 Preparations
Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam said Haryana had set a target of winning 36 medals under Mission Olympics 2036.
He stated that the government was providing athletes with financial assistance of up to Rs 5 lakh for international competition preparations, health insurance coverage of up to Rs 20 lakh, coaching and diet support.
The minister also mentioned provisions for subsidised loans of up to Rs 5 crore for sportspersons.
Saini urged young athletes to become role models for the next generation and encouraged Haryana’s youth to participate in sports rather than fall into substance abuse.
He said the state government would continue supporting athletes with better facilities, training opportunities and financial assistance as India prepares for upcoming international sporting events, including the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.
The programme was attended by Cabinet Minister Shyam Singh Rana, MP Dharambir Singh, Bhiwani MLA Ghanshyam Saraf, MLA Kapoor Singh Balmiki, MLA Umed Singh Patuwas, former minister JP Dalal and senior officials of the Haryana Sports Department.
