Congress Promises International Shooting Range in Manu Bhaker's Village

Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda has made a significant promise to the sports community in Haryana. During a felicitation ceremony for Olympic bronze medalist Manu Bhaker in her native Goriya village, Hooda announced that if the Congress party comes to power in the state, they will construct an international standard shooting range in the village. 

This announcement came during Manu Bhaker's first visit to her village after winning two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, a feat that Hooda described as "unique" in Olympic history. The MP praised Bhaker's extraordinary talent and the pride she has brought to both the state and the country.

Hooda emphasized the importance of proper support and infrastructure for athletes to succeed at the international level. He criticized the current BJP government for neglecting the interests of sportspersons and promised to reinstate the 'Padak Lao, Pad Pao' (Bring Medals, Get Posts) policy if Congress wins the upcoming state elections.

The 'Padak Lao, Pad Pao' scheme, implemented during the previous Congress government in Haryana, aimed to provide government jobs to medal-winning athletes. Hooda argued that this policy, along with respect, encouragement, infrastructure, and future security for athletes, is crucial for India to win more Olympic medals.

The MP also pointed out that the BJP government had abolished the 3% sports quota in Group C and D government posts, which he sees as a step backward for sports development in the state.

MLA Geeta Bhukkal, who was present at the event, supported Hooda's statements and the party's commitment to sports development in Haryana.

This promise of an international shooting range and the revival of athlete-friendly policies could be seen as a strategic move by the Congress party to gain support from the sports community and youth in Haryana. The state has a strong tradition of producing world-class athletes, particularly in sports like wrestling, boxing, and shooting.

The Haryana Story will continue to follow developments in this story, including any responses from the ruling BJP government and reactions from the sports community. As the state moves closer to elections, promises like these and their potential impact on sports infrastructure and athlete support will likely remain key topics of discussion.