868 Sports Nurseries Approved in Haryana, Set to Begin Operations This Month

The Haryana government has approved the establishment of 868 sports nurseries across the state in order to boost sports infrastructure at the grassroots level. The Department of Sports has already issued directives to district officials to begin the implementation process, with operations scheduled to commence from April 11.

Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Director General of Sports for Haryana, has sent comprehensive instructions to District Sports Officers (DSOs) regarding the allocation and operation of these nurseries. According to the directive, these sports development centers will be distributed between educational institutions and gram panchayats in order to create a wide network of talent identification and nurturing facilities. 

By establishing these nurseries at both institutional and community levels, we're ensuring that no talented child goes unnoticed, regardless of their location or background.

The directive specifies that each District Sports Officer must oversee the proper allocation of nurseries within their jurisdiction. Once athletes are selected for training at these facilities, the officers must ensure that complete information about both the athletes and their trainers is uploaded to the dedicated Sports Nursery Portal. 

Additionally, nursery operators are required to submit copies of relevant documentation to the District Sports Officer's office before commencing operations. This systematic approach aims to maintain transparency and accountability in the program's implementation. 

"The April 11 launch date gives us a tight but manageable timeline to complete all preparatory work," explained a district-level sports administrator. "We're currently finalizing the distribution of resources, coach assignments, and necessary equipment to ensure these nurseries can begin functioning effectively from day one." The sports nursery concept has been successful in Haryana previously, contributing significantly to the state's reputation as a sporting powerhouse. These facilities typically provide basic training infrastructure, qualified coaches, and regular competitive opportunities for children showing potential in various sports. 

Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam has been actively promoting youth sports development since taking office, and this initiative aligns with his vision of creating a robust sports ecosystem in the state. The nurseries are expected to focus on disciplines where Haryana has traditionally excelled, including wrestling, boxing, athletics, and kabaddi, while also introducing children to a wider range of sporting options. 

The initiative comes at a time when Haryana continues to produce an impressive number of international athletes despite comprising only about 2% of India's population.