CM INAUGURATES ALLENGERS GULLY CRICKET SEASON 4 IN CHANDIGARH, RS. 1000 CRORE INVESTED IN SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE OVER 11.5 YEARS
Face2News/Chandigarh,
Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Friday asserted that Haryana has firmly established itself
as a sports powerhouse in the country on the back of its progressive and result-oriented sports policy, while neighbouring Punjab continues to grapple with the menace of drug abuse.
Addressing a large gathering after inaugurating Allengers Gully Cricket Season 4 at the Sector-16 Sports Stadium, Chandigarh, the Chief Minister said the state government has invested over Rs. 1000 crore in the past 11 and a half years to create world-class sports infrastructure. This sustained investment has enabled Haryana’s athletes to consistently bring laurels to the nation and uphold the pride of the tricolour at national and international platforms, he said.
Appreciating the theme of the event — ‘Balla Ghumao, Nasha Bhagao’ , Sh. Nayab Saini said such initiatives play a crucial role in channelising the energy of youth towards sports and away from substance abuse. He also symbolically wielded the bat to drive home the message and administered the pledge of the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, calling upon the youth to stay away from drugs and adopt a disciplined, healthy lifestyle.
Referring to the Prime Minister, Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global sporting power by the 2036 Olympics, the Chief Minister said, Haryana has already initiated focused preparations to contribute significantly to this national goal. He added that adequate provisions have been made in the 2026–27 state budget to further strengthen sports infrastructure, enhance training facilities, and promote the use of modern technology in sports.
Outlining the government’s vision, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said efforts are being made to connect every child with sports, develop playgrounds in every village, and ensure access to advanced coaching and training facilities. He highlighted that the state government is providing cash incentives of up to Rs. 6 crore, along with government jobs, to medal winners in the Olympics, Paralympics, and other international competitions.
To secure the future of athletes, the Chief Minister said the ‘Haryana Outstanding Sportspersons Service Rules, 2021’ have been implemented, under which 550 posts have been created in the Sports Department, and 231 sportspersons have already been given government employment. He further informed that a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre has been set up at Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex, Panchkula, for treatment and recovery of injured athletes.
Highlighting support for young talent, he said that students from schools and colleges who have represented the state in competitions and won medals are being provided scholarships. Since 2014–15, nearly 24,000 student-athletes have been awarded scholarships amounting to Rs. 70 crore.
Calling upon players to rise above the narrow mindset of victory and defeat, he said true success lies in continuous learning, discipline, and self-improvement. When youth moves forward, the nation moves forward; when youth wins, the nation wins, he said.
Justice Raj Mohan, Mayor Saurabh Joshi, Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad, Director General of Police Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, Chairman, Allengers Gully Cricket Tournament and former Chandigarh BJP President, Sh. Sanjay Tandon, Chandigarh BJP President, and Jatinder Pal Malhotra also remained present on this occasion.
