Chandigarh, August 18:  Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal said that golden boy Neeraj Chopra is not only the pride of Haryana but also of the nation.  

The Chief Minister said this today as he met Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra who had reached Chief Minister's residence to meet him.  Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Sandeep Singh also remained present.

The Chief Minister said that Neeraj Chopra has not only brought laurels for the country but for his native village, family and Haryana as well.

He said that Neeraj's family has a big contribution towards this achievement.  It is because of the contribution of the family, Neeraj had made the Nation and Haryana proud. 

In the detailed conversation with Neeraj Chopra,  Chief Minister learned about his experiences.  A detailed discussion was also held about Neeraj's coach and his national and international record in the javelin throw event.

Chief Minister presents Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Neeraj

The Chief Minister welcomed Neeraj Chopra with a bouquet and honoured him by giving him a shawl and memento.  He also presented the holy book Shrimad Bhagavad Gita to Neeraj. 

The Chief Minister also honoured Neeraj's uncle Sh. Bhim Chopra, who had accompanied him by presenting him a shawl.

During the conversation, Sh. Bhim Chopra invited the Chief Minister to come to their native village, responding to which the Chief Minister assured that he would soon make a programme for the same. He said that for this visit Minister of State for Sports, Sh.  Sandeep Singh will coordinate. 

It is pertinent to mention here that despite having a busy schedule, Chief Minister didn't miss the opportunity to watch important matches of the players of Haryana in the Olympics.

Developing Haryana as Sports hub utmost priority

Later interacting with media persons after meeting Neeraj Chopra, the Chief Minister said that developing Haryana as Sports Hub is the utmost priority of the State Government.  For this exemplary players like Neeraj Chopra will certainly play a pivotal role to inspire the younger generation, added Sh. Manohar Lal. 

Replying to a question, Sh. Manohar Lal said that villagers of other players have also met him and they have also given good suggestions to promote sports.  Necessary facilities will be provided by the government to promote sports.

He said that the Centre of Excellence for Athletics being set up in Panchkula would prove to be effective for the promotion of sports.

Felt bad for missing state-level felicitation ceremony: Neeraj

Talking to the media, Neeraj Chopra said that he felt bad for missing the state level felicitation ceremony organized by the State Government held on August 13 due to illness.  

He thanked Sh. Manohar Lal for the decision to especially honour women hockey players.

Responding to another question, Neeraj said that only sports-related topics were discussed during his meeting with the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. 

"It is a great feeling that today I am meeting the Chief Minister. I will try my level best to make Haryana and the nation proud in the upcoming sports events, said Neeraj. 

Replying to another question, Neeraj said that Churma, the traditional dish of Haryana is famous everywhere.

During this, Principal Secretary, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Sh. AK Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to Chief Minister and Director General, Information, Public Relations and Languages Department, Dr. Amit Agrawal, ADGP CID, Sh. Alok Mittal, Director, Sports Department, Sh. Pankaj Nain and many other senior officers of the Sports Department were present.