Haryana spent Rs 989 crore on sports infrastructure in 11 yrs, athletes get up to Rs 6 crore reward: CM Nayab Saini
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 27, 2026: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday asserted that the state government is fully committed to safeguarding the honour, safety and future of sportspersons, stating that accountability is fixed and corrective measures are taken in every untoward incident.
Speaking during the Budget Session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has witnessed historic growth in sports over the past 11 years. He said Indian athletes have consistently made the country proud at global platforms including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India have transformed sports into a mass movement and inspired youth participation across the country.
Highlighting the state’s investment in sports, Saini informed the House that Haryana has spent ₹989 crore on developing sports infrastructure over the past 11 years. The Sports Department’s budget has more than doubled — from ₹275 crore in 2014–15 to ₹590 crore in the current financial year.
Detailing the infrastructure expansion, he said Haryana now has 3 state-level sports complexes, 21 district-level stadiums, 25 sub-division stadiums, 163 Rajiv Gandhi Rural Sports Complexes, 245 rural stadiums and 382 indoor gyms across villages. Additionally, the state has developed 10 swimming pools, 11 synthetic athletics tracks, 14 hockey astroturfs, 2 football synthetic surfaces and 9 multipurpose halls. The establishment of a Sports University in 2022, he said, reflects the government’s long-term vision for nurturing sporting talent.
The Chief Minister further stated that reservation has been provided for sportspersons in direct recruitment from Class I to Class IV posts, and 231 athletes have been given government jobs so far.
He added that medal-winning athletes are awarded cash prizes of up to ₹6 crore, with more than ₹641 crore disbursed as prize money to date. “These are not just figures but proof of our commitment and respect towards athletes,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Saini said Haryana will continue strengthening sports infrastructure while ensuring security and a stable future for its sportspersons.