Chandigarh, February 16 – With a view to promote sports in Haryana, more than Rs 20.70 crore have been provided under Panchayat Yuva Krida Aur Khel Abhiyan (PYKKA) during this financial year.
This was revealed at inaugural function of the fourth National Level Basket Ball and Wrestling Competition being organized under PYKKA in Sirsa today. The Deputy Commissioner of Sirsa, Dr. J. Ganesan who inaugurated the competition said that Haryana has emerged as a pioneer State in the field of sports as a result of various sports schemes being implemented by both State and Central Governments.
As many as 600 sportspersons and officials from 20 States are participating in these games which are being held for the first time in Haryana.
Stating that these games would prove to be very inspiring for the sportspersons of the State, he said that earlier the players from Haryana had already proved their mettle through great performances in the international sports events.
He said that out of Rs. 20.70 crore being spent under PYKKA in the State, over Rs 16.64 crore would be from the Central Government and remaining would be spent by the State Government. He said that PYKKA Centres were functioning in 1857 villages and 36 blocks in the State for which Kridashris have also been appointed. These Kridashris were being given a monthly honorarium of Rs. 500 at the village level and Rs 1000 at block level. He added that 20 sports had been selected under the scheme out of which 10 games were to be adopted by each state or union territory compulsorily. Under this scheme,state level championships were being organized in Haryana in athletics, basketball, boxing, kabaddi, volleyball, wrestling, handball, football, hockey and judo.