Asian gold medallists honoured in Jhajjar

“The BJP government had discontinued the policy in 2015, despite its success in encouraging sporting talent. Uttar Pradesh and other states had adopted similar policies, while Haryana had moved away from the system of offering jobs to medal-winning athletes,” Deepender claimed.

The MP pointed out that Haryana, which accounts for around 2 per cent of the country’s population, had contributed 15 of India’s 21 gold medals at the Asian Games, either through individual victories or as key members of winning teams.

The Congress leader said hosting the Commonwealth Games would bring substantial investment to Haryana, besides creating sports infrastructure, academies, Metro rail links, highways and sports villages. He accused the BJP government of favouring Gujarat for major sporting events and infrastructure projects, including the proposed hosting of the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

He maintained that Haryana deserved to host the Commonwealth Games on merit, given the performance of its athletes.

Deepender also appealed to the people to attend the Congress’ ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Alleging collusion between the BJP and the Election Commission to influence elections, he claimed that democratic institutions were being weakened.

Targeting the government over concerns surrounding examination systems and employment, the MP said the youth had lost faith in the BJP and were demanding accountability for the uncertainty surrounding their future.