Haryana begins Olympic 2036 Mission with village-level talent hunt
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, May 27, 2026: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday announced a major grassroots sports initiative aimed at identifying and nurturing young sporting talent across Haryana, with a long-term vision focused on the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Reviewing the Sports Department’s five-year roadmap under Haryana Vision 2047 at the Haryana Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister said children with an interest in sports would now be identified at the village level and provided specialised training in the discipline of their choice.
Saini said panchayats, schools and the Sports Department would work in close coordination to create a strong grassroots sports ecosystem in the state, which is already regarded as one of India’s leading sporting hubs.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that stadiums are developed in villages and government school grounds in rural areas are effectively utilised for sports activities. He said children interested in sports should be registered and provided with the necessary facilities, coaching and equipment.
He also stressed the need to connect out-of-school children with sports activities to protect them from addiction and negative influences.
Highlighting Haryana’s Olympic ambitions, Saini said preparations for the 2036 Olympics should begin immediately by identifying children in the 10–12 age group and refining their sporting skills through dedicated training centres.
He directed the department to create a district-wise and sport-wise database to identify regional sporting interests and focus resources on disciplines where Haryana can achieve excellence at the international level.
The Chief Minister further asked officials to develop a digital portal maintaining records of children participating in sports at block level, including winners and active athletes.
To inspire young players, Saini also directed that photographs of local athletes who have achieved national and international recognition should be displayed prominently in sports complexes across the state.
Director, Sports Department, Parth Gupta informed the meeting that every location in Haryana currently has a sports stadium within a 10-kilometre radius. He also shared plans to further strengthen sports infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.
The Chief Minister additionally reviewed the progress of the Divyang Stadium being constructed in Gurugram and said such modern facilities would play a vital role in Haryana’s future Olympic aspirations.