Haryana chief minister wants Olympics in India

With players from Haryana leading India's gold medal hunt in the Commonwealth Games, Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Sunday said India should now host the Olympics.

'The country is capable of organising the Olympic Games. People have noticed the potential of the country. If the Olympics are held, I can say our players will bring laurels to the country,' Hooda said in Sonipat.

At least 11 players from Haryana have won Commonwealth gold medals out of India's tally of 28 golds.

'Being a sportsperson, I know players of country in general and Haryana in particular. They have huge potential. If they are provided facilities and support, the country can lead the world in sports,' he added.

Hooda said that international-level sports academies in boxing, wrestling, hockey, cricket and basketball were being set up in the state to provide the best sporting facilities to players from the state.

The Commonwealth medal winners and coaches of the state would be honoured in a function on Haryana Day Nov 1.

The players winning gold, silver and bronze medals would get cash awards of Rs.1.5 million (15 lakh), Rs.1 mn (10 lakh) and Rs.500,000 respectively.

Coaches of medal winners would be honoured with cash prizes of Rs.300,000, Rs.200,000 and Rs.100,000.