The Haryana Sports Department has ordered the closure of 11 sports nurseries across the state following inspections that revealed violations of prescribed norms and non-compliance with departmental requirements.
Background of the Action
Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam had earlier directed the department to prepare a comprehensive ground-level report on all sports nurseries operating in government schools and under Panchayat institutions. The closures came after a detailed examination of this report.
Locations of Closed Nurseries
The closed nurseries are primarily located in Nuh, Yamunanagar, Hisar, and Bhiwani districts. They include:
- Three sports nurseries in Government Model Sanskriti Schools in Nuh
- A cycling nursery at Shaheed Parminder Singh Government Senior Secondary School, Tejli (Yamunanagar)
- A boxing nursery at Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Arya Nagar (Gram Panchayat), Hisar
- Two football nurseries at Government Senior Secondary School, Gangwa, Hisar
- Two football nurseries operating under Masoodpur Panchayat, Hisar
- A boxing nursery and a volleyball nursery at GMSSSS, Bhiwani
Irregularities Found
The departmental inquiry and field reports identified several deficiencies and operational irregularities, including:
- Absence of adequate equipment
- Non-availability of essential modern and basic training facilities for athletes
- Poor maintenance of grounds, posing a risk of injuries to players
- Significant discrepancies between the number of athletes recorded on paper and the actual number present on the field
Further Inspections Planned
Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam stated that all other sports nurseries functioning across the state are being subjected to thorough scrutiny. He warned that if any shortcomings, negligence, or irregularities are detected, strict action, including immediate closure, will be taken without delay.
Warning to Officials
Gautam warned Deputy Directors and coaches that any laxity in the allotment, monitoring, or regular inspection of sports nurseries would not be tolerated. Any officer or coach found negligent in the discharge of duties will face disciplinary and departmental action.
Previous Incidents Highlighting Poor Infrastructure
Two tragic incidents had earlier brought poor sports infrastructure into the spotlight. Aman (15), a basketball player, died after a basketball pole snapped at Shaheed Brigadier Hoshiar Singh Stadium in Bahadurgarh on November 23, 2025. Similarly, Hardik Rathi (16), a state-level basketball player, died on November 25, 2025, while practicing at a basketball court in Lakhan Majra (Rohtak) after a basketball pole snapped. These incidents had become a major political issue.
