Chandigarh, July 25: While appreciating the potential and contribution of Haryana in the field of sports, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mr. Kiren Rijiju announced that Panchkula will host the 4th edition of 'Khelo India Youth Games-2021'.
Mr. Kiren Rijiju made this announcement during an interaction with Haryana Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal held digitally here today. Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Sandeep Singh and other Senior Officers of the Sports Ministry were also present.
The Union Minister said that due to COVID-19 crisis, 'Khelo India Youth Games-2020' will not be organized this year. Therefore the next edition of this tournament will be organized in Panchkula. The Union Minister further clarified that the tournament will be organized after the completion of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Lauding the efforts of the State Government led by Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal, the Union Minister said, “I feel proud that the next edition of 'Khelo India Youth Games-2021' will be organized in Panchkula. Haryana has emerged as a leading sports hub in the country as it has always remained a force to reckon with as far as sports and sportspersons are concerned. Under the proficient leadership of Mr. Manohar Lal, the State has always proved its mettle at both National and International level.”
He said that making a renowned player like Mr. Sandeep Singh as the Sports Minister of the State certainly shows the Chief Minister’s commitment towards promoting Sports in the State at all levels and further encouraging youth to excel in sports. “I am sure that this edition of 'Khelo India Youth Games-2021' will be a huge success in Haryana,” he said.
Thanking the Union Minister for choosing Haryana to host the 4th edition of Khelo India Youth Games next year, the Chief Minister said, “Sports Policy implemented in the State is the best in the country. The athletes are given cash rewards when they win medals and we also give them reservation in jobs. This gives athletes the confidence to perform.”
He shared that it is a matter of great pride that in the ‘Khelo India Youth Games-2018’, Haryana achieved first position, while in the last edition held in Guwahati, the State had bagged second spot with 200 medals to its name.
“Our athletes don't play only for medals but for the pride of the State and the Country,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister assured Mr. Kiren Rijiju that Panchkula is apt for hosting the ‘Khelo India Youth Games-2021’ and Haryana will leave no stones unturned to ensure proper arrangements for organizing various sports events. “Adequate lodging and other facilities will also be provided to the players coming to participate from across the country," he stated.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Sandeep Singh said that Haryana has won maximum number of medals for the country and now that the State will be hosting such a big tournament like Khelo India Games, it will certainly encourage many athletes to showcase their talent.
"Haryana has always produced a lot of medal-winning sportsmen and in the previous Olympics; one of the two medallists was a wrestler from Haryana," Singh stated.