Implementing policies to encourage sportspersons, says Gaurav Gautam

Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam today said in view of the state's continuously growing sports culture, the government has implemented numerous schemes for the encouragement and welfare of athletes.

He was here to attend the closing ceremony of Balram Kushti Dangal organised by the Sports Department as part of the International Gita Mahotsav at Keshav Park today.

While addressing the sportspersons, he said, “Haryana is marching rapidly in the field of sports. I congratulate all for this event organised as part of the International Gita Mahotsav, and it has provided a new platform to the sportspersons to showcase and hone their skills. We are confident that the sportspersons of Haryana will continue to bring laurels for the state in the next Asian Games, Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and all other national and international-level tournaments. I urge you to spread the message of ‘Khel-Yukta Haryana, Nasha-Mukta Haryana’ in the younger generation, as sports is the best medium to motivate youngsters to stay away from drugs.”

The minister honoured the winning wrestlers in various categories, both male and female, with cash prizes of Rs 17 lakh. In the Balram Kumar (male) category, Chandramohan secured first place, Parvinder second, and Sahil and Naveen jointly secured the third spot. In the Balram Kesari (male) category, Pratyaksh got first place, Deepak secured second place, while Praveen and Sachin jointly got third place. In the Balram Kumari (female) category, Neha got first place, Neetu got second place, while Neha Sharma and Pushpa got third place. In the Balram Kesari (female) category, Kajal got the first place, Mansi second, while Navita and Chanchal got third place.

Speaking to mediapersons, the minister said “Such events provide a platform and encouragement to the sportspersons. The Haryana government with its policies, has been promoting the sportspersons and I am confident they will continue to perform well at the international level.”

About the recent incidents of deaths of basketball players, the minister said “These were unfortunate incidents. The Haryana Government is with the families. Though the grounds were under the gram panchayat and the Education Department, the Sports Department is also concerned about the sportspersons, and action will be taken against the people responsible. Directions have already been issued to maintain all the stadiums. The government was already working in this direction, and a review meeting has been held to expedite the work.”