Chandigarh: This is likely to dishearten sports enthusiasts, especially players and their kin across Haryana – the state known as the ‘medal factory’ of India. The Haryana govt is yet to submit any proposal on hosting or co-hosting any event in the 2036 Olympics, which in all likelihood can be held in India.In a written reply to a question on Haryana’s participation as a host or co-host of the 2036 Olympics events, Union minister of youth affairs and sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya informed that so far, only Gujarat had made a proposal.During the ongoing budget session of the Lok Sabha in New Delhi on Monday, Congress MP from Rohtak Deepender Hooda sought details about any proposal submitted by Haryana to be a host or co-host of the Olympics.The Congress MP asked whether any particular state or city was proposed, recommended, or supported by the govt for hosting the said Games. Besides this, he further asked whether the state of Haryana, in view of its exceptional sporting record and significant contribution to India’s medal tally across national and international events, was being considered as a venue or co-host for any segment of the 2036 Olympic Games.The sports minister in his reply stated: “As regards Olympic Games 2036, the bid is now in the ‘continuous dialogue’ phase with the Future Host Commission of the International Olympic Committee. The host selection process for the 2036 Olympic Games is available in the public domain on the International Olympic Committee (IOC) website. Govt of Gujarat submitted the proposal for the intention to host the 2036 Olympics Games.“Deepender Hooda said the 1982 Asiad and the Commonwealth Games in 2010 were held in Delhi, for which lakhs of crores were spent on preparations, roads and flyovers were built, and substantial development took place.“At that time, Haryana also directly benefited from the development that occurred in Delhi. Now, in the name of development for Commonwealth and Olympic preparations in Gujarat, so much money will be spent from the country’s treasury that it will transform Gujarat’s appearance. It is surprising that Haryana, which gives India medals, failed to get its due, but Gujarat receives the reward,” said the Rohtak MP.It is extremely sad that athletes from Haryana are risking their lives practising under dilapidated structures, he said, adding: “The Union govt acknowledged the Gujarat govt proposal for the 2036 Olympics, while the Haryana govt, despite its players’ achievements, did not take any concrete initiative, which exposes the Haryana govt’s anti-sports mindset.”MSID:: 127864269 413 |
