Chandigarh: Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today met a delegation of Haryana players from the Indian boys’ and girls’ Kabaddi teams which won gold medals at the Asian Youth Games-2025 held in Bahrain. The meeting was held at his residence, Sant Kabir Kutir in Chandigarh. On this occasion, the Chief Minister congratulated the players and extended his best wishes to Captain Ishant Rathee and other players, warmly welcoming and felicitating them for their historic achievement.
OSD to CM. Bharat Bhushan Bharti and other officials were present on the occasion.The Chief Minister said that it was a moment of immense happiness and pride for him to interact with young players who have brought glory to India and Haryana on the international platform. He stated that this victory is not merely a win in a sporting event, but a triumph of Haryana’s rural culture, rigorous discipline, strong willpower and the fighting spirit of its youth.
Nayab Singh Saini also lauded the role of coaches and trainers, saying that although they often remain behind the camera, they are the true architects of players’ success. Their planning, discipline, training methods and relentless hard work have made this achievement possible.
He said this victory would inspire the youth of Haryana. Thousands of children playing in villages will now look up to these players as role models and dream big. The journey of these athletes from village grounds to international stadiums instills confidence in every young person that with hard work and discipline, even the biggest dreams can be realized.
The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government developed a clear vision for sports 11 years ago, aimed at connecting every child with sports, creating playgrounds in every village and providing opportunities to every youth with a passion for sports. The goal of this vision is to make Haryana not only the sports hub of India, but a global sports capital.
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also set the goal of establishing India as a sporting superpower by the 2036 Olympic Games and has expressed resolve to host those Games in India. Today, Haryana is widely known as the “nursery of sports,” which is a matter of pride for the state. He said India is also hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and expressed hope that Haryana’s sportspersons will shine there as well.
Nayab Singh Saini informed that sports nurseries have been established across the state to nurture players from a young age. He said a special provision shall be made in the upcoming Budget 2026-27 to encourage young sportspersons. The Chief Minister also met the family members of these players and congratulated them.
The delegation also included Chairman, Asian Kabbadi Federation Gulab Saini and Selector and Coach Deepak Hooda along with players Harsh Maan (Vice-Captain), Diksha Rathee, Komal Saharan, Akash, Subham, Akhil, Kashav, Aditya Hooda and Aryan.
