Haryana Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, is taking a proactive approach to strengthen the state’s sports ecosystem and ensure greater transparency in the functioning of sports institutions. Taking serious note of irregularities in the operation of sports nurseries across the state, the Sports Minister has ordered the immediate closure of 11 sports nurseries found to be operating in violation of prescribed norms.
Major Action Following Ground-Level Assessment
Recently, Sh. Gaurav Gautam chaired a review meeting with senior officers of the Sports Department and directed them to prepare a comprehensive ground-level report on all sports nurseries being run in government schools and under Panchayat institutions across Haryana. After a detailed examination of the report submitted by the department, the Minister ordered stringent action against non-compliant sports nurseries.
The nurseries that have been closed are primarily located in the districts of Nuh, Yamunanagar, Hisar and Bhiwani.
Serious Irregularities Detected During Inspection
The Minister stated that, based on the findings of the Sports Department, the following nurseries have been closed, namely Three sports nurseries operating in Government Model Sanskriti Schools in Nuh, One Cycling Nursery at Shaheed Parminder Singh Government Senior Secondary School, Tejli (Yamunanagar), One Boxing Nursery at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Arya Nagar (Gram Panchayat), Hisar, Two Football Nurseries at Government Senior Secondary School, Gangwa, Hisar, Two Football Nurseries operating under Masoodpur Panchayat, Hisar, One Boxing Nursery and one Volleyball Nursery at GMSSSS, Bhiwani.
According to the departmental inquiry and field reports, several serious deficiencies and operational irregularities were found. These included the absence of adequate sports equipment, non-availability of essential modern and basic training facilities for athletes, poor maintenance of sports grounds posing a risk of injuries to players, and significant discrepancies between the number of athletes recorded on paper and the actual number present on the field.
Other Sports Nurseries Also Under Scrutiny
Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that the present action is only the beginning and that all other sports nurseries functioning across the state are also being subjected to thorough scrutiny. He asserted that no compromise would be made with the future of players or the quality of sports training.
If any shortcomings, negligence or irregularities are detected in the functioning of any other sports nursery, strict action, including immediate closure, will be taken without delay.
Warning to Negligent Officers and Coaches
The Sports Minister not only tightened oversight over sports nursery operators but also cautioned departmental officials. Issuing a stern warning to Deputy Directors and coaches, he said that any laxity in the allotment, monitoring or regular inspection of sports nurseries would not be tolerated.
He further stated that any officer or coach found negligent in the discharge of duties would face disciplinary and departmental action.
Mission Olympic 2036: Target of 36 Medals
Speaking about the state government's vision, Sh. Gaurav Gautam said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Haryana Government is committed to providing athletes with world-class sports infrastructure, modern facilities and a conducive environment for excellence. He said that the state has already begun preparations for Olympic 2036. The government's vision is that when India moves closer to its aspiration of hosting the Olympic Games in 2036, Haryana's athletes should contribute at least 36 medals to the country's tally.
To achieve this ambitious target, he emphasized, it is imperative to ensure that sports nurseries at the grassroots level function in a transparent, accountable and world-class manner.