The spirit of sportsmanship swept through Haryana today as educational institutions marked National Sports Day with a series of high-energy athletic events. The focal point of the celebrations was the Durga Shakti Kabaddi Cup in Dabwali, an initiative designed to encourage female participation in traditional Indian sports.
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Durga Shakti Kabaddi Cup: Organized at Government College, Dabwali, this tournament saw fierce competition among women’s teams. The event was part of a broader state-level push by the Department of Higher Education to identify and nurture grassroots talent in rural Haryana.
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Tribute to the Wizard: Events across the state began with floral tributes to Major Dhyan Chand. At Government College, Jind, students and faculty took a “Fitness Pledge” before competing in volleyball and basketball matches that included both young athletes and senior staff.
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Fit India Movement: In Kurukshetra, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini led a “Cyclathon” and a cleanliness drive, linking physical health with civic responsibility. He urged the youth to dedicate at least one hour daily to outdoor sports to combat lifestyle diseases.
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Statewide Participation: From the “Fit Hisar Marathon” at CCS HAU to tug-of-war competitions at K.R. Mangalam University, Gurugram, the day served as a “Jan Andolan” (People’s Movement) for fitness. Winners at various college meets were felicitated with medals and certificates to boost their morale for upcoming state-level games.
Official Vision: The Haryana Sports Department reaffirmed its commitment to making the state a “Global Sports Hub.” Officials noted that such college-level tournaments are essential for preparing athletes for the 2036 Olympic Games, which India aims to host.
