Haryana : Minister of State for Sports, Gaurav Gautam, highlighted that the state boasts one of India’s most progressive sports policies, offering athletes cash incentives ranging from Rs. 51,000 to Rs. 6 crore for achievements spanning national competitions to Olympic medals, promoting financial independence among sportspersons.
A special ceremony is scheduled for February 9 at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurugram, where Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will felicitate medal winners of the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand and inaugurate the CM Cup-2025. The event will honour 48 gold, 47 silver, and 58 bronze medalists, along with 689 participating athletes and coaches. Padma Shri awardee Savita Punia, noted for her contributions to Indian hockey, will also receive special recognition.
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Since 2014, Haryana has disbursed around Rs. 709 crore in cash awards and incentives to 16,970 players, with over Rs. 109 crore already provided to 662 athletes during 2025–26 to support their welfare.
Gaurav Gautam Announce Expansion of Sports Nurseries in Haryana for 2036 Olympics
Gaurav Gautam further stated that Haryana currently has 1,500 sports nurseries training over 37,000 athletes, with plans to establish an additional 500 nurseries to nurture talent at the grassroots level. The Sports Department is working toward the 2036 Olympics, aiming for 36 medals, and upcoming state budget allocations will reflect this goal.
Gaurav Gautam also noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Union Budget has increased sports funding by 33 percent. Haryana is upgrading stadiums statewide at a total cost of Rs. 114 crore, with nearly 70 percent of the work already completed.
Principal Secretary of the Sports Department, Vijay Singh Dahiya, and Additional Director Ashwani Malik were also present at the press conference.