Haryana Congress MPs Intensify Push for 2030 Commonwealth Games Hosting Role
Four Congress Members of Parliament from Haryana have strongly reiterated their demand for the state to be included as a host or co-host for the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The MPs—Jai Prakash from Hisar, Deepender Hooda from Rohtak, Varun Chaudhary from Ambala, and Satpal Brahmachari from Sonipat—made this appeal on Tuesday, urging the Haryana government to immediately propose hosting or co-hosting the prestigious international sporting event.
MPs Highlight Haryana's Dominant Role in Indian Sports
In their statements, the MPs emphasized Haryana's outsized contribution to India's medal tally in international competitions. MP Deepender Hooda pointed out that athletes from Haryana win more than 50% of the medals for the country. "What is unfortunate is that the Haryana government did not even send any proposal for hosting or co-hosting the event," he said. Hooda also highlighted the dire state of sports infrastructure in Haryana, noting that athletes have lost their lives while practicing on grounds. "If Haryana can host the Games, at least some funds will flow, and things might get better," he added, suggesting that hosting could bring much-needed investment.
Criticism of Funding Disparities and Infrastructure Neglect
MP Jai Prakash provided compelling statistics to underscore Haryana's sporting prowess. He noted that Haryana, with just 2% of India's total population, accounts for 21% representation in the Olympic athletes' contingent and approximately 50% share in the medal tally. Despite this, he criticized the state's low allocation under the Khelo India scheme. "Still, we received a very small sum under Khelo India. This is a cruel joke," Prakash stated, contrasting it with the previous Hooda government's efforts to build sports stadiums even in rural areas.
MP Satpal Brahmachari from Sonipat echoed these concerns, revealing stark funding disparities. He said that out of the country's ₹3,500 crore Khelo India budget, Gujarat received ₹600 crore, while Haryana—which brings the most medals—was allocated only ₹80 crore, the lowest in the country. "While Haryana's athletes bring the most medals in the Olympics, Asian, and Commonwealth Games, they were still ignored," Brahmachari lamented, calling for fairer resource distribution.
Background and Previous Protests
This is not the first time these MPs have raised this issue. Earlier, all four had protested in the Parliament complex regarding the same matter, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to advocating for Haryana's sports development. Their collective efforts aim to leverage the 2030 Commonwealth Games as a catalyst for improving sports infrastructure and funding in the state.
The MPs' demand comes at a critical time when Haryana's sports facilities are described as being in poor shape, with athletes facing significant challenges. By pushing for a hosting role, they hope to secure financial inflows and enhance the state's sporting ecosystem, ultimately benefiting both current and future athletes.
