Date:05/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/05/stories/2009070561450500.htm

New Delhi

‘Hunt for talent in rural areas’

Special Correspondent

Photo: Akhilesh Kumar

Felicitation: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda with boxer Vijender Kumar in Chandigarh on Saturday.

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said on Saturday that his regime had formulated a comprehensive Sports Policy with a provision for search of talent in rural and urban areas of the State.

Speaking at a felicitation function organised by the Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Department here to honour 13 outstanding sportspersons of the State by presenting them with cash awards ranging from Rs.50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh, Mr. Hooda also announced appointment of Sandeep Singh, captain of the Indian hockey team who hails from Haryana, as a DSP in recognition of his performance.

Mr. Hooda also announced awards of Rs.1 lakh each to even all those who were awarded Rs.50,000 or Rs.75,000 as per the State policy.

These 13 players included seven members of the Indian women’s hockey team and six boxers.