Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, emphasized that sports are not just about winning medals but also about winning hearts. He stated that sports cultivate champions while promoting peace, progress, and overall well-being. Additionally, they serve as a powerful means to connect people globally. Encouraging police personnel, he urged them to embody sportsmanship beyond the playing field by integrating discipline, dedication, and teamwork into their professional responsibilities.
CM Nayab Singh Saini made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony during the concluding event of the 73rd All India Police Volleyball Group 2024-25 games at the Madhuban Police Academy in Karnal. He also presented awards to the winners.
Highlighting the significance of the competition, he noted that it not only demonstrated sportsmanship but also reflected the discipline, unity, and commitment of the police force. He emphasized that sports are more than just a source of entertainment; they instill qualities such as discipline, teamwork, patience, and self-confidence. Beyond physical fitness, sports strengthen mental resilience and inspire individuals to face challenges with determination.
CM Nayab Singh Saini acknowledged the relentless efforts of police personnel, who work tirelessly to ensure national security and protect citizens. He noted that sports play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of the police force in their duties. The event saw participation from 35 teams representing different states, comprising 791 men, 297 women, and 65 technical officers.
Congratulating the winners,CM Nayab Singh Saini appreciated the dedication of police personnel, who remain at the forefront during emergencies, natural disasters, and law enforcement duties. He added that their contributions extend beyond security, as they also excel in the field of sports. The event provided players an opportunity to display their talents while fostering mutual understanding and strengthening national unity.
He further emphasized the deep connection between sports and the police force, stating that a good soldier is often a good player. He highlighted that sports are essential for maintaining fitness, and India is emerging as a global sporting power, particularly in the Olympics and other international competitions. He credited Haryana athletes for their significant contributions, noting that President Smt. Draupadi Murmu recently honored 11 Haryana players for their outstanding achievements.
Citing statistics, he mentioned that out of the six medals India secured at the 2024 Paris Olympics, five were won by Haryana players. Similarly, in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Haryana athletes contributed four out of India’s seven medals. In the 2022 Asian Games, they won 28 of India’s 111 medals, and at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, they secured 20 medals. He attributed this success to the state’s progressive sports policies.
CM Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the Haryana Utkrishta Khiladi Sewa Rules 2021, aimed at ensuring stable employment for athletes. Under this initiative, 550 new positions have been created in the Sports Department, with 224 players already securing government jobs. The state has also introduced job reservations for players in direct recruitment. Haryana leads the country in offering financial incentives to athletes, having distributed ₹591 crore in cash prizes. Additionally, honorariums are provided to 218 distinguished sportspersons.
He encouraged athletes to play with determination, emphasizing that even in defeat, valuable lessons are learned. Quoting Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, he reiterated that in sports, “no one loses; everyone learns.” He also acknowledged the crucial role of police personnel in building a developed India and Haryana.
Haryana Hosts All India Police Games for the 19th Time
Haryana’s Director General of Police, Shatrujeet Kapur, highlighted that this was the 19th time Haryana Police had the honor of hosting the All India Police Games. He outlined various initiatives undertaken by the state government to support players, including a threefold increase in player allowances and a 2.5x increase in uniform allowances. Additional benefits include newly introduced mobile allowances, extended travel allowances from 10 to 20 days, and increased ration allowances.
He further mentioned that the ex-gratia amount for martyrs’ families has been tripled. On the education and infrastructure front, 22 police public schools and 16 e-libraries have been established across the state. Additionally, gyms have been set up in every district to promote the fitness and well-being of police personnel.
During the event, Joint Director IB Sh. Vidhu Shekhar also addressed the gathering, alongside Organizing Committee Secretary and Inspector General of Police, Om Prakash, and other senior officials.