Haryana Social Justice, Empowerment, Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare, and Antyodaya (SEWA) Minister, Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, the state government is undertaking historic initiatives in the field of sports. He said Haryana's sports policy has emerged as a model for the entire country.
The Minister said that the government has taken several effective measures to ensure better training for athletes, modern sports infrastructure and transparent incentives, enabling Haryana's sportspersons to consistently bring laurels to both the state and the nation at national and international competitions.
The Cabinet Minister was addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the Season One Corporate League held at Gosain Khera village, Jind District late Sunday evening. On the occasion, he also announced a grant of Rs 7.21 lakh for the sports committee.
Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said the state government is committed to providing world-class facilities to athletes. Through initiatives aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure, scholarships for sportspersons, diet allowances, insurance coverage and Centres of Excellence, the government is creating better opportunities for young athletes to excel.
He said the government's objective is to retain Haryana's position as the country's leading sports state while preparing outstanding athletes for future Olympic Games and other international competitions. He further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister, Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, development is being carried out not only in sports but across all sectors, including education, healthcare, roads, irrigation, social justice, women's empowerment and rural development.
The government is working with complete transparency and accountability to ensure that the benefits of its welfare schemes reach the last person in society, said Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi. The Minister said the state government is continuously creating opportunities for employment, self-employment and skill development for the youth.
He said that with transparent recruitment processes, a modern education system and the expansion of digital services, Haryana is setting new benchmarks in development. He urged the people of the state to make the maximum use of the government's public welfare schemes and actively contribute to Haryana's overall development.
Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi said sports play a crucial role in keeping the younger generation away from social evils such as drug abuse. Young people who regularly participate in sporting activities develop discipline, a positive outlook and a healthy lifestyle, helping them stay away from substance abuse.
He said the state government is not only encouraging youth participation in sports but is also conducting extensive awareness campaigns against drug addiction. The government is providing incentives to athletes, expanding access to modern sports facilities and organising competitions at various levels so that more young people can showcase their talent through sports, he said.
The Minister added that the government's objective is not only to produce outstanding athletes but also to build a healthy, aware and drug-free society. In this direction, various departments are jointly organising awareness programmes, rallies, workshops and public outreach campaigns to educate young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse.
He also appealed to the public, parents, teachers and social organisations to actively participate in connecting young people with sports and in building a drug-free society.