Chandigarh, March 20 (Praveen Walia): Registering a strong objection to the Central Government's response in the Lok Sabha regarding the dilapidated condition of sports grounds in Haryana, Kumari Selja—MP from Sirsa, former Cabinet Minister, and National General Secretary of the Congress—has stated that this attitude of the Central Government is extremely unfortunate and objectionable. In a statement issued to the media, she noted that Haryana is the state that has contributed approximately 33 percent of the country's Olympic medals; yet, ironically, the Central Government appears to be washing its hands of the matter when it comes to providing sports facilities in that very state.
Kumari Selja asserted that the reply provided by the Sports Minister is merely an attempt to evade responsibility. She categorically stated that in a state like Haryana—which abounds with sporting talent—neither the Central Government nor the State Government is taking any concrete or effective steps to improve the condition of sports grounds. Citing the incident in Rohtak, she pointed out that athletes have even lost their lives due to dilapidated sports grounds—a situation that is both deeply tragic and alarming. This constitutes not merely negligence, but a reckless disregard for the future and lives of the athletes.
Kumari Selja demanded an immediate review and restoration of all sports grounds in Haryana, insisting that safe and modern facilities be made available to the athletes. She emphasized that the Central Government cannot abdicate its responsibility simply by labeling sports as a "State Subject." Expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Sports Minister's response in the Lok Sabha, she warned that if corrective measures are not taken in a timely manner, it would amount to a grave injustice against the nation's sporting talent.