Chandigarh : Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that the state government is committed to providing better facilities to sportspersons. He directed that special plans be prepared to ensure high-quality infrastructure and support for athletes training in state sports stadiums and sports nurseries. He also emphasized setting up excellence centers focusing on specific elite sports and issuing unique IDs to athletes. These directives were given during a review
These directives were given during a review meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister of the Sports Department held at the Secretariat on Monday late evening. Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam was also present.
During the meeting, a new portal for managing cash rewards and scholarships for sportspersons was launched. Through this portal, athletes can apply for scholarships and cash rewards provided by the Sports Department, ensuring transparent and convenient access to benefits. Since 2014, under the cash reward scheme, 16,305 athletes have been disbursed Rs. 599.43 crore by the department.
The Sports officers present in the meeting apprised the Chief Minister regarding the department’s achievements. They highlighted that the Sports Department is providing equal opportunities for all citizens to participate in sports, encouraging collective participation, and promoting excellence. Discussing the state’s sports infrastructure, officers shared that Haryana presently has 3 state-level, 21 district-level, 25 sub-division level stadiums, 163 Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complexes, and 245 mini rural stadiums, all offering various facilities to athletes. Additionally, there are around 1,500 sports nurseries, with a target to increase this number to 2,000 by the financial year 2025–2026.
Cricket stadium in the state to be revamped, Special Plan for Palwal
The Chief Minister also gave directions about the improvement of cricket stadiums in the state during the meeting. He directed that the ground and seating area of Panchkula Cricket Stadium be upgraded. Besides this, the installation of high-mast lights and other modern facilities should also be ensured in the stadium. Similar improvements are planned for Raja Nahar Singh Stadium in Faridabad, directed Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.
Besides this, discussions on developing an international-level sports complex on 100 acres in Palwal was also held. A special project has been proposed, which includes a cricket stadium, multipurpose hall, badminton and boxing halls, athletics field, fitness and rehab center, hotel and restaurant, and seating capacity for 35,000–50,000 spectators. The Chief Minister directed the officers to explore all viable options for this development.
Geo-Based attendance and Inter-Nursery Competitions to be Introduced
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the Sports Department to organize inter-nursery, district-level, and state-level competitions among existing sports nurseries. The Chief Minister was apprised that a project has already been prepared to implement geo-based attendance systems for players in the near future. He emphasized the need for effective resolution of athletes' problems and suggested a system to ensure better coordination between coaches and district sports officers.
Conduct surprise inspections, Ensure all facilities for Women athletes
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is continuously working to promote sports and provide better facilities to sportspersons. He highlighted special provisions made in the recent budget for sports. Stating that sports is an excellent medium to keep youth away from drugs, he said the government is especially focused on sports development.
Sh. Nayab Singh Saini directed that insurance coverage, high-quality infrastructure, all necessary sports equipment, and availability of qualified coaches be ensured. He also stressed the importance of dedicated facilities for women athletes, including separate changing rooms and toilets. He also directed the officers to conduct surprise inspections of stadiums and sports nurseries regularly.
Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Navdeep Singh Virk, Director General, Sh. Sanjeev Verma, and Additional Director (Admn.) Sh. Vivek Padam Singh also remained present in the meeting.