Chak De India in Hariyana

Hockey players lamenting that Karnataka government overlooked them, despite a historic win at the Asia Cup, can now look northwards at Haryana where the state government plans to set up hockey stadia in 50 villages. Call it ‘Chak De India’ effect or a state government’s efforts to give a much needed boost to the national game, Haryana will soon set up these stadia at Rs 50 lakh per stadium.

Sports minister Kiran Chaudhary said, "Panchayats will bear 5% of the cost and 95% will be contributed by the Centre. In the coming three years, each block will have a hockey stadium."
Gurgaon, Sonepat, Shahbad, Faridabad, Rewari and Rohtak are the districts identified for setting up these stadia, sources said. The news has been received with happiness and hope by the hockey fraternity. "The move will help hockey’s cause in the entire northern region," said Namdhari XI coach Baldev Singh
.
The younger generation is equally excited. "Once the work on various stadia is complete, players will be given SAI-approved hockey sticks and balls, free of cost. This is something we lacked till now," said a junior-level hockey player from Bhiwani, Raman Singh.

Courtesy:Times of India
Complere artical HERE