Haryana: The Powerhouse of Indian Sports

Haryana: The Powerhouse of Indian Sports

Haryana is often referred to as the engine room of sports in India, with a saying that aptly captures the state's spirit: "Milk and curd are our food; sports are ingrained in us."

Manu Bhaker, born in Jhajjar, Haryana, just 50 km from Narnaul, made history by winning India's first medal in shooting. Her achievement is a testament to the sporting legacy of Haryana, a state that has produced many renowned athletes like Neeraj Chopra and Aman Sehrawat.

Pankaj Kumar Agarwal, President of the Ashok Foundation and the Narnaul Agarwal Committee, highlighted that Haryana is a state where sportsmanship and talent converge. From early morning, the highways of Haryana are more populated by runners than by cars, with groups of boxers, wrestlers, and shooters training relentlessly. For them, every day is the same—no rest, no days off—just a commitment to running, lifting weights, and staying fit.

With just 2% of India's population, Haryana accounts for 30% of the country's Olympic medals and 21% of the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics. This impressive contribution is attributed to the state's strong sports culture and diet, rich in milk, ghee, curd, butter, and cheese, which support the physical demands of both sports and agricultural work.

The famous Bhiwani Boxing Club (BBC), which has produced Olympians like Vijender Singh, Akhil Kumar, Vikas Krishan, and Dinesh Kumar, is also located in Haryana. The Green Revolution of the 1970s strengthened Punjab and Haryana as top crop producers, contributing to the strength and fitness of their people. In most Haryana households, family members are actively involved in farming, which further enhances their physical resilience.

Out of India's 117-member contingent for the Paris Olympics, 24 athletes are from Haryana, competing in eight disciplines, including archery, athletics, boxing, and wrestling. Haryana's sports culture and diet continue to produce athletes who excel on the world stage, embodying the state's unique blend of tradition and athleticism.

Narnaul Agrawal Samiti President Pankaj Kumar Agrawal proudly reflects on Haryana's indomitable spirit, stating, "We are tough and strong. We fought against the Mughals and the British. We have faced every situation bravely. The glorious history of Haryana is also described in mythological texts." He emphasizes that mental and physical strength has been passed down through generations, ingrained in the very genes of the Haryanvi people. "Good nutrition and participation in competitive sports are the hallmarks of our culture," he adds.

Neeraj Chopra's gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympics sparked a surge of interest among children in javelin throw and other track and field events. At Panipat's Shivaji Stadium, hundreds of young athletes can be seen practicing shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, sprinting, and distance running. Haryana's representation in national track and field events has significantly increased. Another sport gaining traction in the state is shooting, traditionally a stronghold of Punjab, which saw a resurgence after Abhinav Bindra's gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The number of shooting ranges has grown, especially in Faridabad, where dozens of ranges now train 25-30 national-level competitors each. Manu Bhaker's bronze medals are expected to further boost the sport in Haryana.

The Shivaji Stadium, owned and managed by the Haryana government, is one of the many top-notch academies and training facilities developed to support athletes. Haryana has incentivized sports by offering financial rewards, public sector jobs, and funding for training facilities. In 2000, the state announced a cash prize of Rs 1 crore for each Olympic medalist, a policy that was later expanded with the Haryana Sports Policy, 2006. This policy linked sporting achievements to both cash incentives and high-level government jobs, under the slogan "Medal Laao, Pad Paao." The state also focused on building modern training centers and wrestling and boxing academies. The assurance of financial and job security has made a significant impact on athletes' ability to train without worrying about their families' welfare. The current government has continued these policies, increasing cash rewards, and emphasizing the "right to fitness and right to play" for all in its 2016-17 sports policy.

Haryana, once notorious for female foeticide, has seen a shift in attitudes towards women in sports. The phrase "yahan ki chhoriyan chhoron se kum hain ke" (Are our daughters less capable than boys?), from Mahavir Phogat, portrayed by Aamir Khan in the film Dangal, symbolizes this change. The success of Geeta and Babita Phogat at the Commonwealth Games and Sakshi Malik's bronze at the Rio Olympics have inspired a new generation of female athletes. Out of the 24 athletes from Haryana at the Paris Olympics, 14 are women, with all six members of the Indian wrestling team hailing from the state, five of whom are women. These women have broken barriers and brought honor to India, using sports as a platform to showcase their capabilities.

Pankaj Kumar Agrawal congratulated all the Olympic athletes, including Manu Bhaker from Goriya village, Aman Sehrawat from Birohar, and Neeraj Chopra, for winning medals for India at the Paris Olympics. Their achievements have once again brought glory to the country and pride to Haryana,