Chandigarh, April 26– Haryana Minister of state for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam represented the state at the three-day National Sports Chintan Shivir organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in Srinagar.

The Shivir was chaired by Union Sports Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State, Sh. Raksha Khadse, and attended by sports ministers and senior officers from all States and Union Territories.

Speaking on the theme “Clean and Safe Sports”, Sh. Gautam said that Haryana, with only about 2.5 percent of the country’s population, contributes more than 50 percent of India’s medals at national and international levels. He attributed this achievement to the dedication of athletes and the state’s progressive sports policies.

He said that the state’s athletes have consistently set an example of a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. He urged all states to sensitise players to the harmful effects of doping from the age of 10–12 years and called for strict action against networks supplying banned substances to athletes.

Mission Olympic-2036: Vijayibhav

The Minister said that Haryana’s ambitious “Mission Olympic-2036: Vijayibhav”, a first-of-its-kind 10-year sports development plan aimed at preparing over 1,000 talented athletes for Olympic-level competition. He expressed confidence that Haryana alone would contribute at least 36 medals to India’s tally in the 2036 Olympics.

Calling for a collective national effort, Sh. Gautam urged all states to work together to increase India’s Olympic medal count from 7 (won at Tokyo) to at least 70 by 2036, stating that such a commitment would energise the country’s sporting culture.

On the final day, a special short film prepared by the Haryana Government showcased the state’s sports nurseries, athlete insurance schemes, cash award policy, job quota for sportspersons, and future initiatives. The presentation drew significant attention from participating ministers and officers. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised Haryana’s sports policies and athletes’ achievements, suggesting that other states should strengthen their policies on similar lines in coordination with the Centre.

Deliberations on New Sports Policy-2025

The Shivir also witnessed detailed discussions on the future strategies in accordance with the New Sports Policy-2025 and the Sports Governance Act. Participants agreed that all states would take concrete steps aligned with the national policy to promote athlete development.