Govt committed to strengthening sports infra, says CM Saini

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today said the Haryana Government is committed to strengthening sports infrastructure across the state to nurture young talent and help athletes win more medals for the state and the country.

Addressing players at the inauguration of the Haryana State Championships 2025 at the Modern Sports Complex, Baragarh (Naraingarh), the Chief Minister said sports empower youth with energy and direction, steering them away from drugs and towards nation building.

“Sports is the power that gives energy and a positive direction to youth. When youth run on the field, they stay away from drugs and play a crucial role in nation building,” said Saini.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a hockey AstroTurf field and a four-lane synthetic athletic track, to be built at a cost of Rs 16.71 crore. He also honoured boxer Harnoor Kaur, who recently won a silver medal in the Asian Youth Games.

“For centuries, Haryana has been a land of heroes, athletes and hardworking people. Whether it’s the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games or national championships, Haryana’s sportspersons have brought glory to the nation. The construction of this athletic track and modern hockey AstroTurf field will prove to be an effective step in making Haryana a sports powerhouse of India,” said Saini.

He said the state government has taken a series of decisions to boost sports infrastructure and ensure stadiums at the village, block and district levels. A budgetary provision of over Rs 589 crore has been made this fiscal for the development of sports.

Saini added that emphasis is being laid on training and nurturing players from a young age, and that the government is setting up sports universities, coaching centres and modern stadiums across the state.

“These activities and our improved sports policy are yielding results. I am confident our athletes will win the maximum medals for Haryana in future Olympics and other international events,” the Chief Minister said.

The Haryana State Championships 2025 (Men & Women) feature competitions in volleyball, handball, swimming, badminton, basketball and athletics, being held from November 11 to 13 at Ambala Cantonment, Panchkula, and Baragarh. Around 4,000 players are participating.

Principal Secretary (Sports) Navdeep Singh Virk, Director General (Sports) Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Singh Tomer and several officials and BJP leaders were present on the occasion.