Government Emphasizing Connecting Youth with Health, Discipline, and Nation-Building Through Sports – Chief Minister
Panchkula / Chandigarh, September 28 – The land of Panchkula today bore witness to youth enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and the pledge for a drug-free India as Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini inaugurated the grand finale of the Namo Cricket League-2026 at the Cricket Ground located in Tau Devi Lal Sports Complex, Sector-3.
On this occasion, the Chief Minister paid rich tributes to the immortal martyr Bhagat Singh, an inspiration for the youth, on his birth anniversary. The main matches of the grand finale will be played until October 4. The Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr. Tarun Bhandari, was also specially present on this occasion. Notably, Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini had recently unveiled the trophy of the Namo Cricket League-2026 in Panchkula itself.
Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini stated that more than 3,200 teams and over 50,000 players from 5 states participated in the Namo Cricket League, organized with the objective of spreading awareness against drug abuse. After winning in their respective states, 32 teams have reached here. The league will continue until October 4. The Chief Minister extended his congratulations and best wishes to the Sudesh Bhandari Charitable Trust, associate organizations, organizing committee, coaches, volunteers, and all participants for this event.
He said that the name of this league is associated with the name and service pledge of Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. The Prime Minister has considered the youth of the country as the nation’s greatest strength. He has linked sports with health, discipline, self-confidence, employment, and nation-building. Due to his efforts, initiatives like ‘Khelo India’, ‘Fit India Movement’, and modern training systems for athletes have created a new sporting environment in the country.
Today, emerging from small towns, villages, and humble families, our sons and daughters are bringing glory to the Tricolor on the world stage. This is the hallmark of a changing India—a glimpse of which is currently being seen at the Asian Games in Japan as well.
The Chief Minister said that sports and athletes are deeply rooted in Haryana’s soil. Whether it is the Olympics, Paralympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, or other international competitions, Haryana’s athletes have repeatedly proven that despite being a small state, our resolve and spirit are immense.
This spirit was also evident in the recently concluded 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where India secured 4th position in the medal tally with a total of 39 medals, including 13 gold, 17 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Out of these, Haryana’s players won 11 medals, including 7 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
He added that the credit for these achievements in sports goes to the hard work of the state’s athletes and the government’s sports policy. Haryana’s sports policy is clear—identify talent, honor athletes, and provide a strong foundation for sports. The state government is continuously working to secure the future of athletes through sports nurseries, modern stadiums, training facilities, cash rewards, and government jobs.
He informed that cash prizes up to ₹6 crore are given by the state government to medal winners. Over the past approximately 12 years, cash prize money amounting to ₹742 crore has been distributed to 17,544 players in the state. Apart from this, 260 prominent players have been provided with government jobs.
The Chief Minister noted that strong sports infrastructure is essential to provide modern facilities to players. Over the last nearly 12 years, around ₹1,100 crore has been spent on sports infrastructure. Additionally, a network of sports nurseries has been established across the state to identify and nurture sporting talent, with 2,000 sports nurseries already operational.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the primary objective of the Namo Cricket League is to spread awareness against drug abuse. “Today, from this platform, we must all pledge that we will neither consume drugs ourselves nor allow others to do so, but rather motivate them to stay away from drugs.” On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered a pledge to the participating players and the general public to build a Drug-Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat).
Sufi singer Kanwar Grewal enthralled the audience with his performance. Chairman Mr. Mohan Lal Kaushik, Mayor Mr. Shyam Lal Bansal, Executive Vice-Chairman of Haryana Shivalik Development Board Mr. Om Prakash Devinagar, OSD to CM Mr. Bhopal Khadri, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini Announces Financial Relief for Families of Accident Victims in Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Ambala, and Faridabad
Haryana Government to Provide Financial Assistance of ₹5 Lakh Each to Families of Deceased in Various Accidents
“Haryana Government Stands with Affected Families in This Hour of Grief” — Chief Minister
Chandigarh, September 28 – Haryana Chief Minister Mr. Naib Singh Saini expressed deep condolences to the families of individuals who lost their lives in recent tragic accidents across various districts of the state and announced financial assistance for the affected families. The Chief Minister stated that the Haryana Government stands firmly with the bereaved families in this hour of grief, and all possible support will be extended to them.
The Chief Minister announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for the family of each deceased individual. Under this, assistance will be provided to the families of the 6 victims who lost their lives in the accident in Kurukshetra on September 24 and the 3 victims in Sirsa on September 24.
Similarly, financial assistance at the rate of ₹5 lakh per deceased will be given to the families of the 6 individuals who lost their lives in the Ambala accident on September 27. Additionally, an assistance amount of ₹5 lakh was announced for the family of the young girl who lost her life in the Faridabad incident on September 27.
Mr. Naib Singh Saini expressed his deepest sympathies to the grief-stricken families, stating that the pain of losing loved ones is profoundly heartbreaking and the state government shares in their sorrow.
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