Chandigarh, August 26:– Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday honoured the players at the state-level felicitation ceremony organised in Panchkula for the medal winners and participants of the Commonwealth Games-2026. On this occasion, 24 players were given cash prizes amounting to Rs. 13 crore 97 lakh 50 thousand.
Education Minister Shri Mahipal Dhanda, Minister of State for Sports Shri Gaurav Gautam, Member of Parliament Smt. Rekha Sharma, Mayor Shri Shyam Lal Bansal, Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Smt. Amneet P. Kumar, Director, Sports Department, Shri Parth Gupta, players and their family members were present on the occasion.
Expressing pride in the achievements of the players, the Chief Minister said that a player's story does not begin with a medal. His story begins from the soil where he first learned to run, from the field where he first faced defeat, and from those mornings when the rest of the world is asleep and he is sweating for his dream. Behind him is the faith of his parents, the discipline of his mentor and the resolve to rise again after every defeat. A player standing on the podium is visible to the whole world for a few moments, but the years of struggle it took to reach that podium remain unseen.
He said that in Glasgow, Haryana's players had showcased their strength and talent to the entire world. Today, every Haryanvi is proud and the joy over the achievements of the players has spread across Haryana like a festival. The biggest speciality of Haryana's soil is that crops are not the only things grown in its fields; champions are also produced here.
He said that Haryana accounts for only 2 per cent of the country's total population, but out of the 122 players representing India in these Games, 24 were from Haryana, and almost every second player among them returned with a medal. Haryana's players won a total of 11 medals, including 7 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals. Thus, the contribution of Haryana's players to the country's total medal tally was more than 28 per cent. This is not merely a statistic, but the power of Haryana's sporting talent, hard work and fighting spirit, which has once again enhanced the glory of the Tricolour on the world stage.
The Chief Minister, on behalf of the nearly three-crore people of the state and himself, extended heartfelt congratulations to every medal-winning player and every participating player from Haryana who held the Tricolour high in Glasgow. Congratulating the parents and coaches of the players as well, he said that they had supported the players at every step.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that the players had enhanced the pride of the country and the state through their talent, hard work, discipline and determination. Today, we are not merely honouring medals, but the dedication, struggle and determination that gave birth to these medals. A medal around a player's neck is not merely his personal achievement; it also carries the sacrifice of his family, the guidance of his mentor and the hopes of the entire state.
He expressed confidence that in the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games, India's players, with the strength of Haryana's athletes, would emerge as a major sporting power in the world. Today, the players have raised the Tricolour high in Glasgow, and in the coming years they will also raise the Tricolour on the Olympic podium.
The Chief Minister said that in the 23rd Commonwealth Games, India won a total of 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver and 9 bronze medals, and secured fourth position in the medal tally. This was the result of the players' willpower, self-confidence and dedication to the nation. In this proud campaign, Haryana once again established its distinct identity.

Haryana's Daughters Won 6 Medals, Including 5 Gold Medals
The Chief Minister especially praised the performance of the state's daughters and said that out of the 11 medals won by Haryana's players, 6 medals were won by daughters, including 5 gold medals. Haryana's players also dominated the boxing ring, with 6 of India's 7 gold medals being won by players from Haryana.
He said that Preeti Pawar, Jasmine Lamboria, Sakshi Chaudhary, Priya Ghanghas, Sachin Siwach and Ankus Panghal defeated their opponents and created golden history.
Referring to Sharmila, who won a gold medal in para-athletics, the Chief Minister said that she had proved that no obstacle can stand before the power of the mind. Neeraj Chopra once again proved his world-class talent by winning a silver medal in javelin throw. Boxer Narendra Berwal enhanced the pride of the state by winning a silver medal, while daughter Seema Kaliraman made an important contribution to Haryana's medal tally by winning a bronze medal. These players raised the same Tricolour while competing in different fields.

Not Just Medals, But the Dedication, Struggle and Determination of Players Also Honoured – Chief Minister
The Chief Minister said that today's honour is not only for the medal winners. The contribution of every participating player who represented India at the Commonwealth Games is equally a matter of pride for us. Winning a medal in sports is certainly a great achievement, but entering the field wearing the country's jersey among the world's best players is also an extraordinary honour in itself.
He said that the players who have returned with medals today are our achievements, while those who have returned with experience are the foundation of our next achievement. Today's experience can become tomorrow's medal. The government, the Sports Department and the entire Haryana stand with the players.

When Players Play for the Country, They Should Not Worry About Their Future: Chief Minister
The Chief Minister said that the state government's thinking is clear: when a player plays for the country, he should not have to worry about what his future will be after his sporting career. Therefore, the government's policies are not limited to medals, but are aimed at providing players with respect, security and opportunities.
He said that opportunities for government services for outstanding players, sports academies, sports nurseries, training facilities and continuous expansion of modern sports infrastructure are proof of this approach.

Government Jobs Given to 260 Outstanding Players So Far
The Chief Minister said that under the Haryana Outstanding Sportsperson Recruitment Rules, 260 outstanding players have so far been given government jobs in Groups A, B and C.
He said that the sports gradation policy was recently amended. Now, players participating in the Haryana State Games will also receive the benefit of sports gradation. This will provide them with benefits in government jobs as well as other opportunities.

Cash Prizes of Rs. 742 Crore Given to 17,544 Players in Nearly 12 Years
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that cash prizes amounting to Rs. 13 crore 97 lakh 50 thousand were given to 24 players today. This is not merely today's announcement. During the last nearly 12 years, cash prize money amounting to Rs. 742 crore has been given to 17,544 players of the state.
He said that arrangements have also been made to provide players with money in advance for preparation to represent the country in international sporting competitions, so that the training of no player is interrupted due to lack of funds.
The government has also increased the monthly honorarium for award-winning players. Now, Khel Ratna, Dronacharya, Arjuna, Dhyan Chand and Tenzing Norgay Award winners are being given an honorarium of Rs. 20,000 per month, while Bhim Award winners are being given Rs. 5,000 per month.

Goal Is Not Only to Honour Today's Champions, But Also to Prepare Tomorrow's Champions – Chief Minister
The Chief Minister said that the government's goal is not only to honour today's champions but also to prepare tomorrow's champions. A player's journey begins from the soil of the village, the school playground and the local sports nursery. With this approach, 2,000 sports nurseries have been opened across the state to identify and nurture sporting talent.
He said that talent needs financial support along with opportunities. Therefore, a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,500 has been provided for players aged 8 to 14 years and Rs. 2,000 for players in the 15 to 19 age group.
Twenty-five residential sports academies have also been opened in the state. Every player in these academies is being provided diet money at the rate of Rs. 500 per day.

Nearly Rs. 1,100 Crore Spent on Sports Infrastructure, Budget Increased to Rs. 668.42 Crore
The Chief Minister said that talent needs world-class facilities along with opportunities and financial support. Strong sports infrastructure is essential for providing modern facilities to players.
He said that nearly Rs. 1,100 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure during the last nearly 12 years. The budget of the Sports Department has been increased to Rs. 668 crore 42 lakh, compared to only Rs. 163 crore in 2013-14.

‘A-Star’ Centre Established to Give Players Confidence of a Comeback After Injury
Shri Nayab Singh Saini said that when a player gets injured, his career is put at risk. To address this pain and give players confidence of returning after injury, a national-level ‘A-Star’ Advanced Scientific Training and Rehabilitation Centre has been established at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex in Panchkula at a cost of nearly Rs. 10 crore. It is the first and most modern centre of its kind in North India.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is working on a policy of nurturing players from childhood and is committed to providing all necessary facilities at every step for their preparations. The government's endeavour is to ensure that the journey of any talent that begins from the soil of Haryana does not stop midway due to lack of resources and reaches the world's podium.
He said that the state's players have also proved through their hard work that they deserve such encouraging opportunities and facilities. After every national and international competition, the players have given the state an opportunity to celebrate. Now it is the government's responsibility to stand with them in preparing for their next victory as well. The festive atmosphere created by the Commonwealth Games-2026 is a direct testimony to this confidence.

Commonwealth Games 2030 an Opportunity to Showcase India's Growing Sporting Power – Chief Minister
The Chief Minister said that the country has another major opportunity ahead. Due to the efforts of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has been awarded the hosting rights for the Commonwealth Games to be held in 2030. This is not merely an event, but an opportunity to showcase India's growing sporting power before the world.
Shri Nayab Singh Saini expressed confidence that Haryana's players would play an important role in making India a major sporting power in the world at the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Olympic Games. Today, the players have raised the Tricolour high in Glasgow, and in the coming years they will raise it even higher on the Olympic podium.
Calling upon the players, the Chief Minister said that the medals around their necks today are not their destination, but the beginning of their next flight. From the same soil where they drew the first line of their dreams, they now have to write their identity on the world's biggest sporting stages. Today, the Tricolour has been raised by their hands in Glasgow, and tomorrow the same Tricolour should fly even higher on the Olympic podium. This is the dream of every Haryanvi and the hope of every Indian.
The Chief Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to the Sports Department, all coaches, parents and, especially, all the players, saying, “The one who never stopped after getting tired became the identity of the journey; the one who learned to rise after falling has become Hindustan today. What if we have reached the destination? Now a new path has to be created.”
“One victory has been achieved today; tomorrow, we have to return after conquering the world.”

Chief Minister Interacts with Players, Learns About Their Journey of Struggle and Success
After the felicitation ceremony, Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini held a special interaction with the players who had brought pride to the state and the country at the Commonwealth Games. The Chief Minister met the players and learned in detail about their sporting journey to the international level, their hard work, struggles and the challenges they faced along the way. The players also shared their experiences and success stories with the Chief Minister, explaining how years of hard work, discipline and continuous practice enabled them to reach the Commonwealth Games stage and win medals for the country.
During the interaction, the players shared experiences related to their sporting careers with the Chief Minister and thanked him and the state government for the encouragement and support being provided to players in the state. They said that the state government was ensuring all possible assistance to players through training, sports facilities and other necessary support. This support and encouragement from the government motivated them to focus completely on their sport and perform better at the international level. As a result, Haryana's players delivered an outstanding performance at the Commonwealth Games and brought glory to the country and the state.
The Chief Minister praised the achievements of the players, wished them a bright future and encouraged them to continue playing for the country with the same dedication and enthusiasm and achieve new milestones. He said that the state government stands firmly with the players and efforts to provide them with the necessary support and facilities to move forward will continue.

Haryana's Sports Policy Being Widely Recognised Across the Country, Other States Also Following It – Mahipal Dhanda
Education Minister Shri Mahipal Dhanda said that Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini is a sensitive person who has never engaged in politics on such occasions, but has made politics a means of service and worked to take the youth of the state and country forward. His doors are always open to young people and players. The result of this approach is that the talent of children in the state is being identified from childhood and they are being encouraged to move forward according to their capabilities, with the Chief Minister himself taking care of the arrangements.
He said that the Chief Minister always emphasises that players should not face any shortage of facilities or resources. He is deeply concerned about the youth of the state and their future. When Haryana's players won medals, the pride and happiness visible on the Chief Minister's face was proof of how personally he values the achievements of the players.
Shri Mahipal Dhanda thanked the Chief Minister and said that Haryana's sports policy is now being widely recognised across the country and other states have also started following Haryana's sports policy. He congratulated and welcomed Haryana's players and their families and praised the hard work, enthusiasm and spirit of the players.
He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has placed before all of us the resolve that every talent in India, regardless of the field, should contribute 100 per cent and play its role in making India one of the world's most powerful countries by 2047. Haryana's players have taken strong steps in this direction.
The Education Minister encouraged the young children who attended the programme and said that he was fully confident that they too would bring glory to the country and the state in the future through their hard work and discipline. He said that Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini would never let the children and youth of the state become disappointed and would continue to provide them with every possible support and opportunity to move forward.