Preparations under way for launching women’s pro-kabaddi league: Minister

Panchayat and Development Minister Krishan Lal Panwar has said preparations are underway to launch a pro-kabaddi league for women in the state.

The minister said this while inaugurating the three-day 50th annual athletic meet at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) here on Tuesday. He emphasised that the league would not only promote sports culture but also empower young women athletes.

“India’s hopes in the Olympics and other international competitions increasingly rest on the athletes of Haryana. More than half of the medals won for the country come from our state, and Haryana’s sportspersons are continuously making India proud,” Panwar added.

He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India initiative had given a new direction to the nation’s sporting culture, and Haryana had excelled by securing nearly 50 per cent of the medals in the initiative.

Speaking about the state’s progressive sports policy, the minister said the Olympic gold medalists were awarded Rs 6 crore, silver medalists Rs 4 crore, and bronze medalists Rs 2.30 crore. Additionally, the players received Rs 5 lakh for training and 3 per cent reservation in government jobs.

He urged the youth to set clear life goals and pursue them with determination.

MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh presided over the inaugural session while Registrar Dr Krishan Kant proposed the vote of thanks. The programme began with a welcome address by Dr Shakuntla Beniwal, director of sports and secretary, sports council, MDU while Dr Rajwanti Sharma, chairperson, sports council, emphasised the significance of the athletics meet.

The event was conducted by Dr Varun, while the competition’s coordination and management were being supervised by athletics coach Dr Ramesh Sindhu.