Former chief minister and Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has said the BJP government in Haryana is treating sports and athletes like enemies. This is why two promising young players, Hardik and Aman, tragically died when a dilapidated basketball pole collapsed, he added.
“This is not a simple accident or a normal death, but a death caused by sheer government negligence. Hardik was a national-level player with a bright future, having already signed with a club in the United States. Similarly, Aman, just 15 years old, was also a promising player. The untimely deaths of these two young players have shocked the entire state,” he said.
“The Congress demands an impartial, high-level investigation into this matter and strict action against the culprits. An FIR should be filed against those responsible for the negligence, and action should be taken to teach the entire system a lesson. Additionally, the families of both deceased players should be immediately given government jobs and adequate financial assistance,” he demanded.
Hooda stated that the current BJP government bears direct responsibility for this accident. “This government failed to even maintain the world-class sports infrastructure built during the Congress government. Today, the sports system in Haryana is in complete disrepair. Stadiums, playgrounds, and equipment are neglected. The pole in Lakhan Majra where the accident occurred was completely rusted and dilapidated,” he said.
The former CM stated that MP Deepender Hooda had donated Rs 12.3 lakh and then another Rs 6.2 lakh for the same Lakhan Majra ground, but all the money remained on paper, with nothing happening on the ground.
“Haryana's sports policy has completely stalled since the BJP government came to power. There is no new sports policy, no coaching system, no talent hunt program, and no infrastructure maintenance. The condition of stadiums in places like Charkhi Dadri, Ambala, Sirsa, Kurukshetra, and others, including the Rajiv Gandhi Sports Complex in Rohtak, is deteriorating,” he pointed out.
“During the Congress government, we appointed medal-winning athletes to high-ranking positions like DSP. But today's government is neither providing jobs nor incentives to athletes. They make big promises during elections, but after coming to power, nothing happens. There are no teachers in schools, no police in police stations, and no staff in offices,” he added.
Hooda said despite being a small state, Haryana has consistently won the most medals in the Olympics and Paralympics. “This was the result of the Congress's far-sighted sports policy, which made Haryana a hub for sports in the country and the world. But today, the BJP government pays no attention to sports. If they had, such accidents would not have occurred. The Congress Party will strongly raise this serious matter in the Assembly and the culprits will not be spared at any cost,” he promised.
Also Read: 2 teen boys die in freak basketball court accidents in Haryana
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