Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially opened the 47th National Junior Boys Handball Championship on Saturday, marking a significant event for young sports talent from across the country. The inauguration ceremony was held at a government school located in the Pitampura area of the national capital.
Boost for Young Athletes with Cash Incentives
Addressing the gathering of athletes, coaches, and officials, Chief Minister Gupta made a major announcement to motivate the participants. She declared a cash prize of ₹1 lakh for the winning team of the championship. This direct financial reward aims to recognize and encourage excellence among the junior players competing in the tournament.
The event saw the presence of key figures from the sports community, including Shri Mahesh Kumar, President of the Handball Federation of India (HFI), and representatives from the Delhi Handball Association alongside local officials. The championship is organized by the HFI in collaboration with the Delhi state association.
Delhi Government's Enhanced Sports Policy Framework
In her speech, CM Rekha Gupta elaborated on the recent proactive shifts in Delhi's approach to sports development. She emphasized the government's focus on removing financial hurdles that often impede an athlete's training journey. A key measure in this direction has been the increase in allowances for state-level players.
Gupta reiterated the administration's commitment to nurturing sporting talent right from the school level by providing enhanced financial assistance. This foundational support is designed to identify and groom potential champions early in their careers.
The Chief Minister also detailed the revised prize money structure for athletes who bring glory to the nation on the international stage. According to the current policy of the Delhi Government, medal winners at international competitions are eligible for substantial rewards:
- Gold Medal: ₹7 crore
- Silver Medal: ₹5 crore
- Bronze Medal: ₹3 crore
Building Towards the 2036 Olympic Dream
Linking the efforts at the grassroots level to a national ambition, Rekha Gupta referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India to host the 2036 Olympic Games. She stated that the achievements and development of young athletes, like those participating in this handball championship, will be instrumental in turning this ambitious goal into a reality.
To inspire the young participants, the Chief Minister quoted iconic cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, conveying his message to "enjoy the game and chase your dreams." This set a positive and encouraging tone for the championship, which brings together budding handball talent from various states.
The inauguration of the 47th National Junior Boys Handball Championship underscores a growing emphasis on promoting diverse sports at the grassroots level in Delhi, with structured policy support aimed at building a robust pipeline for India's sporting future.
