Chandigarh, October 30:- Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that a medal is placed around an athlete’s neck in just a few moments, but an athlete devotes their entire life to earning it. Behind these medals lie years of practice, countless sacrifices and the courage to rise again after defeat. The applause echoing today in Bhiwani is not merely for the medals, but also for the years of dedication, sacrifice and unwavering determination that have taken India's Tricolour high on the sporting arenas of Asia.
Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a joint felicitation ceremony for medal winners of the Asian Games and Para Asian Games at Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani on Friday. Before the ceremony, he inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of eight projects worth Rs. 142 crore to accelerate the development of Bhiwani. These included the inauguration of six projects costing Rs. 133.66 crore and the laying of foundation stones for two projects worth Rs. 8.46 crore.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that being among these sporting stars had filled his heart with pride. Congratulating all the athletes who had brought honour to the country and the state, he said that the honour was not just for the athletes, but also for their parents, mentors, coaches and support staff, whose sacrifices and dedication had contributed to their success.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that India secured fourth position at the Asian Games by winning 85 medals. Athletes from Haryana contributed 32 medals, including 14 gold medals. This means that two out of every three gold medals won by India came from Haryana's athletes. Similarly, India delivered its best-ever performance at the Para Asian Games, winning 114 medals. Para-athletes from Haryana won 31 medals, including nine gold medals, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of the country's gold medals.
The Chief Minister said that several stars from Haryana excelled at these games. Boxers Ankush Panghal and Parveen Hooda won gold medals. The men's and women's hockey teams won gold medals and secured their qualification for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028, with Haryana's athletes making a significant contribution to the strength of both teams. India's wrestling performance at the Asian Games was its best since 1962. In para sports, the gold medal victories of Sumit Antil and Pranav Soorma thrilled the entire country.
Bhiwani's Soil Has Given Indian Boxing Its Identity
The Chief Minister said that holding this ceremony in Bhiwani was particularly significant. Known as 'Mini Cuba', Bhiwani has given Indian boxing its identity. Boxers such as Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Jitender Kumar, Neetu Ghanghas, Jasmine Lamboria, Preeti Pawar, Sakshi Chaudhary and Priya Ghanghas have brought glory to Bhiwani on the world stage. Behind these achievements lie the dedication of local coaches and the efforts of families who, despite working hard in their fields, have given wings to their children's dreams. Circumstances may determine where one begins, but hard work and determination decide the destination.
He said that Haryana's sporting strength was no longer limited to any one district or sport. From wrestling, boxing, hockey, kabaddi, athletics, shooting and archery to para sports, athletes from the state were proving their talent. The daughters of Haryana were also moving ahead in every arena, winning medals and becoming an inspiration for the new generation.
132 Athletes to Receive Cash Awards Worth Rs. 189.38 Crore
The Chief Minister said that 132 athletes were being honoured with cash awards totalling Rs. 189.38 crore. Eligible athletes were also being given offer letters for government jobs in accordance with Haryana's sports policy. When an athlete brings honour to the country, it is also the responsibility of the country and the state to care for their recognition, secure future and aspirations. The government's clear commitment is to ensure that every such athlete receives respect, financial security and opportunities to progress.
He said that under the Haryana Outstanding Sportsperson Recruitment Rules, 260 outstanding athletes had so far been provided government jobs in Group A, B and C categories. Recently, the Sports Gradation Policy had been amended, under which athletes participating in the Haryana State Games would also be eligible for the benefits of sports gradation. This would help them access government jobs and other opportunities. A provision had also been made to provide advance funds to athletes preparing for international competitions so that a shortage of money did not become an obstacle in their training.
17,676 Athletes Have Received Cash Awards Worth Rs. 931 Crore So Far
The Chief Minister said that recognising athletes' contributions was not limited to giving awards only when they won medals. The monthly honorarium of award-winning athletes had also been increased. Now, recipients of the Khel Ratna, Dronacharya, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Tenzing Norgay awards were being given an honorarium of Rs. 20,000 per month, while Bhim Award recipients were receiving Rs. 5,000 per month. Including the awards being distributed today, a total cash prize of Rs. 931 crore had so far been given to 17,676 athletes of the state.
The Chief Minister said that no athlete reaches the podium directly. Their journey begins in the soil of their village, on the school playground and with basic training. To identify and nurture this talent at the right time, 2,000 sports nurseries had been established in the state. Athletes aged 8 to 14 years were provided a monthly scholarship of Rs. 1,500, while those aged 15 to 19 years received Rs. 2,000. In addition, 25 residential sports academies had been opened, where athletes were being provided daily diet money at the rate of Rs. 500.
Rs. 1,100 Crore Spent on Sports Infrastructure
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that athletes needed world-class facilities to deliver world-class performances. Around Rs. 1,100 crore had been spent on sports infrastructure over the past 12 years. The Sports Department's budget had been increased from Rs. 163 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 668.42 crore. To provide scientific facilities that help athletes recover from injuries and improve their performance, the 'A-Star' Advanced Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre had been established at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula at a cost of around Rs. 10 crore. The centre was providing fresh impetus to athletes' training and recovery.
The Chief Minister said that sports today were not just a test of physical strength, but also of technology, science and strategy. Video analysis, modern sensors, sports science, proper nutrition and scientific recovery helped improve athletes' performance. For para-athletes, modern prosthetic limbs, customised equipment and accessible training facilities opened up new possibilities. The government's endeavour was to ensure that these facilities were not limited to big cities and that every hardworking athlete got an opportunity to develop their talent.
He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had emphasised making sports a medium of public participation and nation-building. Initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India had played an important role in increasing awareness about sports in the country and providing opportunities for young people to come forward. Taking this spirit forward, the Haryana Government was strengthening sports nurseries, training facilities, coaching and incentives for athletes.
Every Young Person in Haryana Should Be Connected with the Sports Field, Not Drugs
Calling upon young athletes, the Chief Minister said that their achievements also brought a new responsibility. They were not just medal winners but role models for thousands of children who looked up to them and aspired to build their future in sports. Their success gave children the confidence that even the biggest goals could be achieved through hard work, discipline and proper guidance. The sports field teaches discipline and keeps young people away from drugs. Let us resolve that every young person in Haryana will be connected with the sports field, not drugs.
The Chief Minister said that Haryana would complete 60 years of its formation in two days, and no one could give the state a greater gift than its athletes. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi also acknowledged the achievements of Haryana's athletes. In July, from the land of Jind, he had expressed confidence that the sons and daughters of Haryana would continue to make the Tricolour fly high on every platform, as they had always done. India would host the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and was preparing to host the 2036 Olympics. The responsibility of fulfilling the Prime Minister's expectations rested on the shoulders of the athletes, while providing them with every facility was the government's responsibility. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that athletes from Haryana would raise India's Tricolour high at the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Olympics and bring honour to the state.
Athletes Are the Pride and Crown of the State; Their Achievements Will Inspire Other Youngsters: Shruti Choudhry
Irrigation Minister Shruti Choudhry said that Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani was not merely a sports ground but was also connected with her family's memories and the sporting tradition of the region. Her father, Chaudhary Shri Surender Singh, had laid the foundation stone of this stadium, and he used to come here for morning practice. Today, athletes had given this stadium a new identity through their hard work and achievements.
Welcoming Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini to Bhiwani, she said that athletes from the region had risen from rural backgrounds through discipline and hard work and had established their talent not only in the state but across the country. These athletes had brought glory to India at the international level.
Shruti Choudhry requested the Chief Minister to further expand Bhim Stadium and provide modern facilities for athletes there. She said that athletes from the region had already proved their talent and could now become a source of inspiration for other children.
If You Play Sports, You Will Excel: Haryana's Athletes Have Changed the Old Saying: Gaurav Gautam
Minister of State for Sports Shri Gaurav Gautam said that athletes from Haryana had changed the old saying through their hard work and talent. Earlier, it was said that studying would make one successful, while playing sports would lead to failure. However, athletes from Haryana had proved that playing sports could make one exceptional. The state's athletes were making India's Tricolour fly high at the international level and becoming an inspiration for young people.
The Minister of State for Sports said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, for the first time in the history of Haryana sports, athletes were being honoured with cash awards worth crores of rupees on a single day. Work was also being undertaken to provide them government jobs in A, B and C categories. He said that the government did not discriminate among athletes but was giving everyone equal respect and encouragement.
Shri Gaurav Gautam said that Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini had set a target of winning 36 medals for Haryana's athletes under Mission Olympics 2036. Haryana was the first state to launch a special scheme with this target. The state government was providing athletes with facilities such as assistance of up to Rs. 5 lakh for preparation for international competitions, health insurance of up to Rs. 20 lakh, better coaching and diet money. Arrangements were also being made to provide athletes subsidised loans of up to Rs. 5 crore.
He said that the state government was connecting young people with sports through sports nurseries, while Central Government initiatives such as the TOPS scheme and Khelo India were also providing opportunities for athletes to progress. The Minister of State for Sports requested the Chief Minister to develop Bhim Stadium in Bhiwani into a national- and international-level stadium. He said that Bhiwani had given the country athletes such as Neetu, Sakshi, Akhil and Vijender, who had brought glory to India across the world.
Cabinet Minister Shri Shyam Singh Rana, Member of Parliament Shri Dharambir Singh, Bhiwani MLA Shri Ghanshyam Sarraf, MLA Kapoor Singh Valmiki, MLA Umed Singh Patuwas, former Minister Shri J.P. Dalal, Principal Secretary of the Sports Department Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, Director Shri Parth Gupta and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
