Chandigarh November 8- The 26th Haryana State Games organized by Haryana Olympic Association (HOA) began at Sports Stadium, Panchkula near here today in which more than 4500 players are participating in 31 sports disciplines.
While declaring the Haryana State Games open, Haryana Finance Minister Mr. Harmohinder Singh Chattha said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda has implemented a unique Sports Policy, which has enhanced performance and confidence of the players thus making the State and the country proud. He said that with a view to groom the hidden sports talent in the rural areas, stadiums were being constructed in the State at block level with an investment of Rs. 70 lakh each. Also, coaches and other necessary facilities have been provided in these stadiums. Mr. Chattha said that though the State Government was doing much for the sports and sportspersons, the parents should also encourage their children to participate in games. He also appreciated the arrangements made by HOA and the district administration for the success of the State Games.
He said that Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda has given a new direction to the sports in the State adding that if all States follow Haryana’s initiative, India would rank at the top in sports.
Mr. Chattha also announced to give a grant of Rs. 21 lakh to the HOA.
In his welcome address, Vice-President of HOA Mr. Anand Singh Dangi described the Chief Minister Mr. Hooda as a player of high quality whose daily routine starts from the playground. He said that as a result of the sports policy implemented by the Chief Minister in the State, the interest of players towards sports has increased. The outstanding players of the State have not only been awarded with cash prizes but they have also been given jobs in the Police Department. These jobs are of the level of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Inspectors. Mr. Dangi assured that every possible assistance would be provided to the sports associations in the State in organizing State and National level competitions.
Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula and President, District Olympic Association Mrs. Ashima Brar also addressed the function. Earlier, Finance Minister Mr. Harmohinder Singh Chattha also took salute at the impressive march past presented by the contingents of players. Mr. Chattha also released a souvenir published by the HOA to mark the occasion.
In the inaugural event of 800 meter race (boys), Manjeet of Jind bagged the first position while Sanki Ram of Panchkula and Arjun of Sonipat got second and third positions respectively. The winners were honoured by the Finance Minister.
President, Haryana Olympic Association Mr. P.V. Rathee, General Secretary Mr. Narender Hooda, OSD, Chief Minister, Residence Mr. Ravinder Hooda, Director, Sports and Youth Affairs Department Mr. Anil Malik, President of Haryana Kabaddi Association Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mrs. Parul Kush Jain, City Magistrate Mrs. Vandana Disodia , various representatives of HOA and senior officers of the district administration were also present on the occasion.
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