At the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2021 in Panchkula, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Monday announced the establishment of Haryana Sports Academy to train the players coming from all over the country.

"In view of providing state-of-art sports infrastructure, a hostel would be opened in Panchkula having an accommodation facility for 200 players. Through this, along with providing international level facilities to the players, they will also be trained to become proficient in the game," Khattar said.

The Chief Minister also announced to double the prize money being given to the medal winning players of Haryana for their excellent performance in Khelo India Youth Games-2021.  An amount of Rs 1 lakh would be given to the gold medal winner, Rs 60,000 to silver medal winner and Rs 40,000 to the bronze medal winner. While earlier this amount was fixed at Rs 50,000, Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 for the gold, silver and bronze medal winners respectively. Not only this, he also announced to give Rs 5000 as an incentive to the players of Haryana participating in the games.

He said that organizing 'Khelo India Youth Games' in Haryana holds utmost importance, because at present Haryana has a distinct identity in the sports world both nationally and internationally.  

The Chief Minister said, 'On June 4,  at the launch of these sports competitions,  I had said that just as the Jawan(Soldier) Kisan (Farmer) and the Wrestler of Haryana are Dhakad, similarly the State athletes will also perform in a 'Dhakad' way in this sports event. I am glad that our players have proved my point in letter and spirit.

Addressing the players, he said that Khelo India is the first step of their future endeavours. He said that sports should not be limited to competitions only, but the spirit of sports should be included in daily life, even if they are regional sports.  Khattar said that the State Government has prepared sports infrastructure at grassroot levels. The sports calendar has also been prepared to organize various sports competitions throughout the year in the state.  

“As many as 1100 Sports Nurseries are being opened in the state to develop sports culture among the children.  This will benefit about 25000 budding players of the state.  The state government is working on the policy of grooming the players since childhood.  We are committed to providing all the necessary facilities to the players,” Khattar said.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Singh Thakur congratulated Haryana for the successful organization of Khelo India Youth Games-2021.  He said that the 12 national records made in Khelo India show how successful the event has been.

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, who attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest said that this event brought laurels to the state and world-class sports facilities were made available to the players in Haryana, which the State would be able to utilize in future also to take their sport talent forward.