Sports Minister visited Hardik Rathi village to express his condolences to the family
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana Sports Minister Sh Gaurav Gautam said he has directed Sports Department officials and coaches to promptly report any sports infrastructure requiring maintenance, so that repairs can be carried out at the earliest. He added that a review meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow, November 28, to further expand and strengthen sports facilities in the state.
The Sports Minister made these comments while speaking to media persons here this evening. The Chief Minister’s Media Advisor, Rajiv Jaitley was also present. Gaurav Gautam said that he visited Hardik Rathi’s village today, met his family, and conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved family. He said that the government stands with them in this difficult time and will extend all necessary assistance.
He added that an investigation into the accident has been ordered and that strict action will be taken against those found responsible. Describing Hardik Rathi’s death as a deeply unfortunate incident, he said the young athlete was a promising talent with a strong desire to bring glory to the nation.
Terming Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann’s remarks on the accident as politically motivated, he said that instead of making such statements, the Punjab Chief Minister should instead focus on athletes in his own state and on addressing the growing issue of drug addiction among its youth.
Advising Sardar Bhagwant Mann to introspect, Sh Gaurav Gautam said that in Punjab, individuals fighting against the drug menace are also being subjected to attacks. He added that world champion football and fencing players from Punjab are compelled to run tea shops, and that athletes there are not receiving benefits despite the existence of a sports quota.
Sports Minister stated that Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has introduced a remarkable sports policy for the state’s athletes. Players are being provided with jobs and cash awards, and the sports budget has been significantly increased. An amount of Rs 114 crore has been allocated to the PWD Department for the maintenance of 92 stadiums across the state, and work is currently underway. He said that funds have been released earlier as well whenever maintenance was required. He added that upon learning of the tragic accident yesterday, the Chief Minister immediately announced financial assistance for the affected family.