In Haryana, Sports Become a Lifestyle, Players to Get ₹20 Lakh Medical Insurance: CM Saini

Chandigarh, April 18 – Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is working to make sports not just a career option but a way of life. He stated that sports are being made mandatory from the school level to ensure a balanced physical and mental development from childhood. He also announced that every player in the state will be provided with a medical insurance cover of ₹20 lakh.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of the 3rd All India Shiv Kumar Memorial Basketball Tournament at Shri Shiv Kumar Memorial Stadium in village Kiloi, Rohtak. During the event, he also announced ₹21 lakh for the development of the stadium and promised the early construction of a women’s community hall and fulfillment of other local demands.

Paying floral tribute to late Shiv Kumar, he said that the tournament reflects Shiv Kumar’s vision of uniting and empowering society through sports. To further promote sports and secure players’ futures, the state has introduced the Haryana Outstanding Player Service Rules 2021, creating 550 new posts in the sports department. So far, 224 players have been given government jobs, and reservations have been introduced for direct recruitment from Class-I to Class-III positions.

Haryana also leads in offering the highest cash rewards to medal-winning players, disbursing ₹593 crore till now. Monthly honorariums are also being provided to 298 athletes for their exceptional performance.

The state currently runs 1,489 sports nurseries training 37,225 young athletes. Children aged 8 to 14 receive ₹1,500 per month, while those aged 15 to 19 receive ₹2,000 per month. Additionally, over 15,000 athletes have been given sports equipment, and more than 29,000 students have received scholarships worth ₹53.45 crore since 2014.

Chief Minister Saini emphasized that sports like basketball test not only physical ability but also teamwork, discipline, strategy, and decision-making. He said national-level tournaments promote social harmony and brotherhood and give villages like Kiloi a place on the national map.

He described the tournament as a living memory of Shiv Kumar’s dedication and discipline, which continues to inspire society. Haryana, he said, has always been the land of brave soldiers, hardworking farmers, and outstanding sportspersons who have brought glory to India at both national and international levels.

The program also included a traditional welcome from local women, who presented milk collected in 101 pots. The Chief Minister expressed gratitude, saying the gesture reflects the strength and cultural richness of Haryana’s mothers.

The event was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra, MLA Pawan Kharkhoda, Mayor Ram Avtar Valmiki, former finance minister Captain Abhimanyu, and other dignitaries and athletes.