Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that Haryana has set an ambitious target of winning 36 medals at the 2036 Olympic Games. He said the State’s athletes are already working tirelessly towards achieving this goal, and the newly appointed coaches will have a crucial role to play in preparing the next generation of Olympians from the grassroots level.
The Minister was addressing a felicitation ceremony held at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh, where appointment letters were distributed to outstanding sports persons selected for Group A, B and C coaching positions in the State Sports Department. Congratulating the athletes, their parents and coaches, he described the occasion as a celebration of dedication, perseverance and the sacrifices made by families in nurturing sporting talent.
During the programme, appointment letters were handed over to three Senior Coaches and 20 Junior Coaches. The Sports Department had earlier appointed 10 coaches last month, taking the total number of athletes provided coaching jobs within a month to 33.
Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the Haryana Government is working relentlessly to transform the State into one of the most modern and sports-friendly destinations in the world. He further said that the State's sports policy provides reservation for outstanding sportspersons, including a 10 per cent sports quota in Group D government jobs and a 3 per cent quota in Group C positions.
Haryana's Sporting Culture is Its Greatest Strength
Highlighting Haryana's rich sporting tradition, the Minister said that the State's youth enter the field not merely to compete, but to bring glory to the nation and uphold the honour of the Tricolour. From the Olympic Games to national championships, Haryana's athletes have consistently brought laurels to the State and the country, said Sh. Gaurav Gautam.
Praising the State Government's sports policy, he said that Haryana's ‘Padak Lao-Pad Pao’ initiative is designed to free athletes from concerns about their future. The Government does not merely congratulate athletes when they win medals, it also guarantees a secure future for them, enabling them to focus entirely on their sporting careers and represent the nation without mental stress or uncertainty, said the Minister.
Coaches Must Groom the Next Generation of Global Champions
Emphasizing the importance of coaching in shaping champions, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that coaches play a decisive role in transforming raw talent into sporting excellence. He urged the newly appointed coaches to embrace modern training methods and technologies and identify promising talent from villages and small towns across the State.
He called upon them to work with greater dedication in preparing athletes for the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, World Championships and other international competitions. The Minister assured them that the State Government remains fully committed to providing world-class infrastructure, modern facilities and all necessary resources to support their efforts.
Athletes Must Become Role Models in Public Service as Well
Describing government service as a new innings in life, the Minister expressed confidence that the athletes would carry the same discipline, commitment and work ethic into their professional responsibilities that they demonstrated on the field. He said that these sportspersons are now role models for lakhs of young people across Haryana and will inspire children in villages and towns to take up sports.
He also advised them to remain humble despite their achievements and success. Reiterating the Government's commitment to modernizing sports nurseries and stadiums across the State, Sh. Gaurav Gautam called upon all stakeholders to contribute towards building a healthy, prosperous and number one sporting State in the country.
Principal Secretary, Sports Department, Sh. Vijay Singh Dahiya, Additional Director, Sh. Ashwani Malik and other senior officers of the Sports Department were also present on the occasion.