Chandigarh, July 11- Haryana Sports Minister, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi, the country, and under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana, is making rapid strides in the field of sports.
He said that the state’s progressive sports policy, coupled with the talent, dedication and enthusiasm of its athletes, has enabled Haryana to emerge as the country’s leading sporting state, with its players winning the highest number of medals in national and international competitions and bringing laurels to both the state and the nation.
Addressing athletes and officers at the inauguration of the Under-23 Senior National Wrestling Championship at Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, the Sports Minister said it was a matter of pride for both Haryana and Rohtak that such a prestigious national championship was being hosted here.
Expressing confidence, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that many wrestlers competing in the championship would go on to represent India in major international events, including the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, and bring glory to the nation.
The Sports Minister said the championship was being organised with complete transparency and excellent arrangements. Thanking the Wrestling Federation of India and the organising committee for entrusting Haryana and Rohtak with the responsibility of hosting the event, he said the championship would further strengthen the state’s sporting culture and enhance its reputation. He particularly appreciated the Wrestling Association, Haryana President, Sh. Ramesh Bohar and the entire organising committee for providing athletes with a dignified environment and an excellent competitive platform.
Later interacting with the mediapersons, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that young wrestlers from across the country were participating in the three-day national championship. He expressed confidence that several participants would eventually represent India at the international level.
He said the Haryana Government was continuously working to provide athletes with better sporting facilities. The government has ensured the timely disbursement of incentive awards to athletes and is undertaking extensive efforts to further strengthen sports infrastructure across the state. As part of these initiatives, 42 new stadiums are being constructed at a cost of Rs. 114 crore, which will provide world-class facilities to sportspersons, said Sh. Gaurav Gautam.
He further said that maintenance and air-conditioning works underway at various stadiums would also be completed at the earliest to ensure that athletes do not face any inconvenience.
Replying to a question, the Sports Minister said there has been no place for politics in sports. The government’s sole objective, he said, is to provide athletes with a conducive environment and modern facilities so that they could deliver their best performances.
Responding to a question on law and order, he said that those found guilty of heinous crimes would be awarded the strictest punishment in accordance with the law. The government, he added, was dealing with such cases with utmost seriousness, while the law was taking its own course.
On being asked about the Prime Minister’s proposed visit to Jind, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said the visit would be historic and would give fresh momentum to Haryana’s development. He expressed confidence that the state would benefit from several major development projects as a result of the visit.
