Haryana Opens 2,000 Sports Nurseries to Nurture Youth Talent: Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam
Master Athletes Are Role Models for Youth, Says Minister at Felicitation Ceremony
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 8, 2025 –
Haryana Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam on Tuesday said that a healthy body and mind are essential for the development of any state or country, and credited the state's master athletes for setting a strong example by excelling in national and international events while staying fit and disciplined.
Addressing the felicitation ceremony for winners of the World and National Masters Athletics Championship organized by the Haryana Masters Athletics Association in Panchkula, Gautam praised the efforts of veteran athletes for being an inspiration to the younger generation. He added that these athletes are playing a vital role in promoting a drug-free Haryana.
Highlighting the state’s strong focus on sports development, the minister announced that 2,000 sports nurseries have been opened across Haryana to identify and nurture young sporting talent. Over 37,000 players are currently being trained in these nurseries, he informed.
“Haryana has become a powerhouse of sports, and our sports policy is the best in the country,” Gautam said, adding that the government is fully committed to supporting athletes at every stage—from grassroots training to international platforms like the Olympics, World Championships, Asian and Commonwealth Games.
Sharing figures, the Minister said that between 2004 and 2014, only ₹38 crore was spent on sports and athletes in Haryana, while between 2014 and 2024, the government has invested over ₹592 crore. He also noted that the state provides medical assistance of up to ₹20 lakh for injured athletes and loans of up to ₹5 crore at affordable rates to players who wish to open sports academies.
To further boost athletics, Gautam announced a ₹5 lakh grant for the Haryana Masters Athletics Association from his voluntary quota and assured that maximum support will continue to be extended under the state’s progressive sports policy.
Prominent dignitaries present at the event included Association President Ajay Mittal and General Secretary Ramkishore Sharma, along with several senior sports figures.