Haryana chief minister felicitates Arjuna Awardees for their remarkable achievements

CHANDIGARH: Haryana chief minister, Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday met the state players awarded with the Arjuna Award and their coach today at Haryana Bhavan in New Delhi. On this occasion, he also honored the awardees and the coaches.

The chief minister congratulated Wrestlers Sunil Kumar, Antim Panghal and Golfer Diksha Dagar who were honored with the Arjuna Award in the National Sports Awards 2023.

During the meeting, the chief minister sought suggestions from these athletes on how sports in Haryana could be further promoted. Responding to this, the athletes praised Haryana's sports policy, stating that it has boosted the morale of athletes, and the youth are now more inclined towards sports due to this Pro-player Policy. In the state villages, the youth are now practising sports to make a future in them.

The chief minister shared that Haryana is giving the highest cash rewards to medal winners in the country. He assured that the government would implement any good suggestions given by athletes to give a further boost to the sports infrastructure and facilities. He expressed pride when Haryana athletes win medals on the international stage, and when the National Anthem is played, it becomes a mesmerizing and prideful moment for all Indians.

Despite being a small state geographically, Haryana has been the leading state in winning medals at both the National and International levels. The chief minister stated that Haryana's sports policy is providing opportunities for athletes to progress, and he hopes for even better results in the future.

During discussions with the athletes, the chief minister inquired about the need for sports equipment in villages through District Sports Officers. Following the demands, sports equipment will be made available through gram panchayats. A foundational framework for sports will be developed from village to village in Haryana so that the youth can be nurtured since childhood. Plans are also underway to establish specialised high-power performance centres to train youth in popular sports, said Sh. Manohar Lal.

On this occasion, Arjuna Awardees Sunil Kumar and Antim Panghal, who came to meet the chief minister, said that Haryana's sports policy has given a boost to sports, especially in wrestling, where Haryana has achieved a separate status. Regardless of the competition, Haryana's wrestlers are shining bright and are winning medals.