DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Haryana Chief Minister Shri Manohar Lal said that the identity of Haryana is associated with "Dhakkad Kissan, Jawan and Pehalwan" (determined farmers, soldiers, and wrestlers). Special attention is being given to infrastructure to promote sports in the state, and athletes are being secured in their future not only through financial assistance but also through reservation in jobs under category A, B, and C. The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the "Sansad Khel-Kood Sparda" organized in Kaithal today.

Encouraging athletes to play with the spirit of sportsmanship, the Chief Minister said that in order to promote sports in the state, 1100 sports nurseries are already operational, and a decision has been taken to open 400 more new sports nurseries in this budget. He informed that winners of international competitions are given the highest cash reward in the entire country. Olympic gold medalists are given a prize of Rs. 6 crore, which is the highest from any state.

He said that by providing reservation to athletes in government jobs, their financial stability is ensured. 500 positions under category A, B, and C have been created, out of which 223 positions have been filled. Additionally, the results of 13,000 Group D positions will be announced soon, in which jobs will be given to 1300 sportsperson.

On this occasion, BJP State President and MP Shri Nayab Singh Saini praised the new sports policy formulated by the Chief Minister and said that as a result of it, athletes from the state are bringing medals for the state and the country in national and international competitions.

Chief Minister Manohar Lal honored the Kaithal team, which stood first in this sports competition, with 55 horsepower Indo Farm tractors, medals, certificates, and shields, the Kurukshetra team, which stood second, with 45 horsepower Indo Farm tractors, medals, certificates, and shields, and the Yamunanagar team, which stood third, with medals, certificates, shields, and a reward of Rs. 1.11 lakh.
(editor@dailyworld.in)