Chandigarh, Aug 24 (UNI) Haryana Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Sandeep Singh has congratulated the talented athletes and coaches of the state for being selected for the National Sports Awards.

Rani Rampal, former Indian hockey captain and wrestler Vinesh Phogat will be honoured with the country’s highest sporting honour Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in the upcoming National Sports Day on August 29 the sports minister said.
Similarly, shooter, Manu Bhaker, hockey player, Deepika Thakur, boxer, Manish Kaushik, Para-shooter, Manish Narwal, Kabaddi player, Deepak Niwas Hooda, Para-athlete, Sandeep Chaudhary will be honoured with the Arjuna Award.

He informed that the Dronacharya Award will be conferred on Kabaddi Instructor, Krishan Kumar, Wrestler, Om Prakash Dahiya. Similarly, Manpreet Singh, Kabaddi player and Wrestler, Netrapal Hooda will be honoured with the Dhyan Chand Award.

Haryana players have shined not only in India but abroad as well. ‘Haryana Sports and Physical Activities Policy-2015’ implemented in the state has taken various initiatives to boost the morale of the players, he further said.
The state government recently approved a scheme to provide incentive of Rs 5 lakh in advance to the players who have qualified in the Olympic and Paralympics Games. The outstanding amount will be made available to them after they participate in the Olympics.

Earlier the players were given an incentive amount of Rs 15 lakh after they had played Olympics and Paralympics. While at the time of preparing for these competitions, players remained in great need for this incentive as during the preparations a healthy diet and many other things are needed, which cost a lot.
Singh said that under the ‘Haryana Sports and Physical Activities Policy-2015’, players have been given many facilities like cash incentives and reservation in jobs. Haryana is emerging as a leading sports hub in the country due to an excellent sports policy.
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