Haryana

If one were to analyze the performance of athletes in the Commonwealth Games, one thing that would emerge as the stark motif is the outstanding performance of the players from Haryana who nearly pocketed all the medals in the individual tallies. As a matter of fact all the players had this slogan on their lips when they were quipped about their performances: Doodh dahi ka khana swarg apna Haryana”. If one were to glance through the individual medal winners, it is Haryana that dominates it all the way. Even Saina Nehwal who is now a Hyderabadis in her origin is a Haryanvi.

The performance at the CWG by the state provides an interesting contrast with the neighboring state of Punjab which at one point of time used to dominate in the world of sports of the country ( it is altogether a different matter that the officials who control the state of affairs of athletics still are dominated by people from Punjab). While Haryana moved on and focused on individual sports all across the state, Punjab somehow lagged behind tried to live in the time warp of its dominance in sports through hockey. For quite a long time there has hardly been a player who has emerged at the national level dominating the sports scenario.

Could it be owing to the nearness of Haryana to Delhi and as a result the exposure that Delhi could provide for the sportspersons of Haryana, which could not be made available for sportspersons from Punjab. Not likely, as the National Institute of Sports is in Patiala an important district of the state, therefore that argument does not hold water.

The real reason could be that the youth from Punjab have started migrating outside the country, while the youth from Haryana still wish to develop their fortunes within the state and the country. Besides, as a matter of policy, state intervention by Haryana has indeed paid rich dividends. May be, other states of the country also need to emulate the steps initiated by Haryana, as the talent exists in all the states, it is just a question of providing them the required encouragement in form of good infrastructure and nourishing food that would help them in giving excellent performance every time they appear on the ground to play their events.

States need to understand that sports encouragement provides an opportunity for the states to tell the world the progress that they are achieving socially.

Tags: Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games, Haryana, Haryanvi, India, Indian Sports, Players, Sports, Sports India