Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana’s youth energy, strong sports infrastructure, and player-friendly facilities are together creating a new chapter in history. He said that under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the world now views India as an emerging sports power — in which Haryana has a decisive role.

The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as Chief Guest at the inauguration of the 27th Haryana State Sports Festival organized under the aegis of the Haryana Olympic Association at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurugram, on Sunday evening.

The event was graced by Indian Olympic Association President and Member of Parliament Smt. P.T. Usha as the Guest of Honour, along with Haryana Olympic Association President Capt. Jasvinder Meenu Beniwal, and several Padma Shri, Arjuna Award, and Bhim Award-winning athletes from Haryana.

After paying floral tribute to Major Dhyan Chand’s statue and lighting the ceremonial lamp, Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the festival and addressed the sports talents of the state. He said that the 27th Haryana State Sports Festival, being held with the theme “Mitti se Medal tak”, is a pledge to identify, nurture, and polish talents from every village, city, and sports ground, and take them to the global stage.

He said that the Haryana State Games are not just a competition, but a test of skill, courage, and determination. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the medal winners of the upcoming 2028, 2032, and 2036 Olympic Games will emerge from among these very athletes.

*1,489 sports nurseries functional in Haryana, training 37,225 players — Rs 641 crore in cash awards distributed to athletes over the past 11 years*

The Chief Minister informed that at present, 1,489 sports nurseries are operational in Haryana, training 37,225 players. Players aged 8–14 years enrolled in these nurseries receive Rs 1,500 per month, while those aged 15–19 years receive Rs 2,000 per month. Nursery coaches are also paid an honorarium of up to Rs 25,000.

He said that to ensure secure employment for outstanding sportspersons, the government has formulated the “Haryana Outstanding Sportsperson Service Rules, 2021,” under which 550 new posts have been created in the Sports Department.

The Chief Minister added that respecting sporting talent, the Haryana Government has awarded Rs 641 crore in cash prizes to players over the past 11 years. Under the Haryana Sports Equipment Provision Scheme, 15,634 players have been provided with sports equipment.

*The soil of Haryana is filled with courage, strength, and determination; it has given world-class athletes to the nation: P.T. Usha*

Guest of Honour and President of the Indian Olympic Association, Smt. P.T. Usha, said that the soil of Haryana is charged with courage, strength, and determination — qualities that have consistently produced world-class athletes for India. She said that the cooperation between the State Government and the Haryana Olympic Association has led to a sports revolution in the state.

From sports grounds to athletic tracks and shooting ranges, the impact of Haryana’s sports policies and facilities can be seen everywhere. She expressed hope that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini, this cooperation will continue and Haryana will reach new heights in the world of sports.

Haryana Olympic Association President Capt. Jaswvnder Meenu Beniwal welcomed Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini at the 27th Haryana State Games. Referring to the theme, he said that the inspiration behind this event comes from Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini.

He added that after more than a decade, the youth of Haryana are witnessing a sporting Diwali under the guidance of the Chief Minister. The young participants of these State Games, he said, will one day make the national anthem resonate at the Olympic stage, bringing glory to Haryana and India across the world.

Haryana is the first state in the country to host such grand-scale State Games. He also stated that the Haryana Government has launched numerous initiatives to encourage youth participation, and due to merit-based recruitment and progressive sports policies, players are constantly being motivated.

He affectionately referred to Indian Olympic Association President P.T. Usha as his elder sister, saying that her guidance has always inspired efforts to promote sports.

*Mascot “Mahabali Cheetah” and theme song launched*

The mascot for this year’s State Sports Festival is “Mahabali Cheetah,” symbolizing the speed, courage, and winning spirit of Haryana’s athletes. The festival’s theme song “Maati Te Medal Upje Chhore Chhori Haryana Ke” is filling the entire state with pride and enthusiasm.

Through this song, the dedication and spirit of Haryana’s athletes have been recognised. A short AV clip showcasing the glorious sports journey of Haryana was also screened during the event.

*Closing ceremony to be held in Kurukshetra on November 8*

Organized under the aegis of the Haryana Olympic Association, the festival will conclude on November 8 in Kurukshetra. The seven-day festival will feature 24 different sports events across nine districts of Haryana, as well as in Chandigarh and New Delhi, with participation from more than 6,000 athletes.

Sports competitions to be held in the following districts: Gurugram: Hockey, Athletics, Handball, Table Tennis, Faridabad: Archery, Weightlifting, Fencing, Tennis, Sonipat: Netball, Wrestling, Karate, Judo, Kurukshetra: Yogasana, Cycling (Road and Track events), Panchkula: Kabaddi, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Jhajjar: Triathlon, Water Polo (Swimming, Cycling, Running), Rohtak: Boxing, Karnal: Football, New Delhi: Shooting, Chandigarh: Rowing (Water Sports)

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member of Parliament (Bhiwani-Mahendragarh) Sh. Dharambir Singh, President of Asian Canoeing Association Sh. Prashant Kushwaha, MLA from Pataudi Smt. Bimla Chaudhary, MLA from Kharkhoda Sh. Pawan Kharkhoda, MLA from Nalwa Sh. Randhir Singh Panihar, former Minister Sh. Sanjay Singh, Treasurer of Haryana Olympic Association Sh. Manjeet Singh, BJP District President Sh. Sarvapriya Tyagi, and other dignitaries.

From the district administration, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Ajay Kumar and Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gurugram Sh. Pradeep Dahiya, along with other senior officers, were also present.