Chandigarh, January 29- Haryana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Mr. Anil Vij today announced the award money to the winners of sportsperson of Haryana in the under-17 School Games to be held from January 31 to February 8 in Delhi under Khelo India, the National programme of the Central Government. As many as 408 players from Haryana will participate in this ambitious programme of the Central Government to promote sports at the school level.

This was disclosed by the Sports, Mr. Ail Vij here today. He said that the State Government would give award money of Rs 60,000 to every player, who bagged the first position in these games, Rs 40,000 for the second position and Rs 30,000 for the third position. Similarly, each player of a team would be given Rs 30,000 for bagging first position, Rs 20,000 for the second position and Rs 15,000 for the third position.

The Minister said that for the first time such games were being organized by the Central Government to encourage sports at the school level. As many as 1,000 sportspersons excelling in their respective field would be selected from all over the country, who would be given financial assistance of Rs five lakh for the promotion of sports, for the next eight years. And, there is a plan to include 1,000 new sportspersons in it, every year.

He said that 308 players from Haryana would be participating individually in the games. Out of which, 33 players are of Athletics, 17 of Archery, nine of Badminton, 24 of Gymnastics, 28 of Shooting, 21 of Judo, 62 of Boxing, 13 of Swimming, 15 of Weightlifting and 82 of Wrestling. Similarly, 104 players would participate in teams, of which 12 players each of Kabbadi team (boys and girls), 16 each of Hockey Teams, 18 each of Football teams and 12 of Basket Ball, he added.