Chandigarh : Leader of Opposition in the Haryana Assembly and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda congratulated Haryana’s athletes for their outstanding performances at the Commonwealth Games 2026, saying the state has consistently produced world-class sportspersons who have brought pride to both Haryana and the nation.
Hooda said this was not the first time Haryana’s athletes had excelled at the Commonwealth Games, recalling that the state’s players had also delivered remarkable performances in the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He praised the talent, dedication and hard work of Haryana’s sportspersons.
The former Chief Minister credited the success to the ‘Win Medals, Get Positions’ sports policy introduced during the Congress government, claiming that the policy, along with strengthened sports infrastructure, the establishment of sports academies and the development of Haryana as a sports hub, had laid the foundation for the state’s continued sporting achievements.
He also highlighted the establishment of the Bhiwani Boxing Academy during the Congress tenure, stating that the academy has played a significant role in producing champion boxers. Hooda said Haryana’s women athletes, particularly in boxing, are now bringing laurels to the country on the international stage.
Criticising the present BJP government, Hooda alleged that it had altered the sports policy formulated during the Congress administration, resulting in players being deprived of rewards, recognition and government appointments. He further claimed that sportspersons who were appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) during the Congress government had not received promotions under the current administration.
Hooda demanded that all athletes who have won medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 should be immediately appointed to senior government positions, such as DSP, in recognition of their achievements and contribution to the nation.