143 Sports Certificates to Be Cancelled in Haryana, Government Jobs May Also Be at Risk

The Sports Department of the state of Haryana has taken strict steps about the fake and improper gradation certificates of sportsmen, with 143 players facing the loss of their gradation certificates after a detailed investigation. This also means that those players who had obtained government jobs on the basis of these certificates are also going to face severe repercussions.

According to an investigation report submitted to the state government, the certificates of 143 players have been declared suspicious, invalid, or outright fake. Among them are six players from Kaithal district, whose D-grade sports certificates are likely to be cancelled in the coming days.

The probe revealed that several certificates were issued by associations that were not recognised by the state sports department, national federations, or the Indian Olympic Association at the time. Issuing sports gradation certificates without valid affiliation is a clear violation of rules, officials said.

As part of the verification process, the list of players was drawn up by the sports department, with a request for its authenticity from respective federations. As a result of the process, irregularities were identified, and most players had remarks such as “Fake, invalid, or not affiliated” registered against their documents.

Maximum discrepancies were found in sports like taekwondo, volleyball, throwball, and circle kabaddi. In taekwondo, several certificates were rejected as they were not issued by recognised state associations. In athletics, multiple certificates were found to be completely fake.

Officials indicated that players who obtained government employment on the basis of these invalid certificates could now face action, including possible termination of service, subject to further legal and administrative review. 

In Kaithal district, the sports department has already issued notices regarding the cancellation of certificates of six players. It was found that the associations which issued their certificates did not have official recognition at the relevant time.

On the state headquarters level, a directive has been given to nullify all 143 disputed certificates, which is one of the largest crackdowns on sports certification fraud in the state of Haryana in the last few years. This situation has caused tremors in the sports fraternity, particularly among those who were getting benefits through reservation or recruitment on the sports quota seats. The authorities are reportedly adhering to the move as it will help the government inspire confidence and credibility in the sports promotion process.