Famous Sports of Haryana | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Introduction

Sports play a crucial role in human development, fostering healthy competition among individuals and cultivating positive relationships. Additionally, they serve as a source of recreation and contribute to physical well-being and proficiency.

Famous Sports of Haryana

Some of the important sports of Haryana are discussed below:

Athletics

• Haryana takes pride in its numerous athletes who have brought home medals, showcasing the state's sporting prowess. The Haryana State Athletics Association (HSAA), established in 1967, tirelessly works toward advancing athletes and athletics within the state. 
• Notable athletes from Haryana include Deepa Malik and Narender Ranbir, both para-athletes excelling in Javelin Throw, Seema Punia Antil and Krishna Poonia in Discus Throw, Om Prakash Karhana in Shot Put, Chand Ram in Roadwalk, Manjit Singh, and Geeta Zutshi demonstrating excellence in Middle-distance running.

Some important athletes of Haryana are as follow:

• Bhim Singh, born on April 13, 1945, in Dhanana village, Bhiwani district, Haryana, was a high jumper who made his international debut at the 1966 Commonwealth Games. He clinched the gold medal at the 1968 Asian Games, setting a high jump record of 6.9 feet (2.05 meters) and was honored with the Arjuna Award in 1967.
• Bahadur Singh, born on February 8, 1946, was an Indian Shot Putter from Haryana. He secured gold medals at the 1978 and 1982 Asian Games and the 1975 Asian Athletics Championships. His achievements earned him the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Dronacharya Award.
• Chand Ram, born on January 26, 1958, in Haryana, was a prominent Indian athlete. He set a world record by winning the gold medal in the 20 km road walk at the 1982 Asian Games and broke his own record at the 1983 Asian Track and Field Meet in Kuwait.
• Deepa Malik, born on September 30, 1970, in Bhaisuial, Sonipat district, was the first Indian woman to secure a Paralympic Games medal, winning a silver in Shot Put at the 2016 Summer Paralympics. She received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award.
• Seema Punia Antil, born on July 27, 1983, in Khewda village, Sonipat district, was an Indian Discus thrower. She clinched the gold at the World Junior Championship in 2000, won multiple medals at the Commonwealth and Asian Games, and was the first woman to receive the Arjuna Award in Gymnastic games.
• Manjit Singh, born on September 1, 1989, in Ujhana, Jind district, specializes in the 800 meters and 1500 meters events in middle-distance running. He earned a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
• Neeraj Chopra, born on December 24, 1997, in Khandra village, Panipat district, is a renowned Indian javelin thrower. He secured gold medals at various events including the South Asian Games, Asian Championships, Commonwealth games, and Asian Games. He was honored with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2018.

The list also encompasses other outstanding athletes from Haryana such as Narendra Ranbir, Krishna Punia, Suresh Yadav, Chandrapal Rathi, Geeta Zutshi, Neelam J. Singh, Shri Chandra, Captain Hawa Singh, Captain Mohabbat Singh, Sabar Ali, Sundar Singh, Rajendra Kumar, Sant Kumar, Karan Singh, Punam Taneja, Anil Kumar, Sunita Sharma, Sandeep Kothia, Duti Chand, and Swapna Barman, among others.

Boxing

• Boxing is a major sport in Haryana, particularly renowned in Bhiwani district, considered the boxing powerhouse due to its strong boxing culture.
• Haryana boasts numerous Boxing Training Centers and Clubs that train boxers up to the national level, earning it the nickname "Mini Cuba of India."

Some notable boxers from Haryana include:

• Akhil Kumar, born on March 27, 1981, in Bhiwani, earned a Gold medal in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and a Bronze in the 2007 Asian Championship. He received the Arjuna Award in 2005.
• Vijender Singh Beniwal, born on October 29, 1985, in Kaluwas, Bhiwani, was India's first professional boxer. He clinched Bronze in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, becoming the first Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal. He also won Gold in the 2010 Asian Games and Silver in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, receiving the Arjuna Award in 2006 and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2009.
• Manoj Kumar Kaltagdia, born on December 10, 1986, in Kaithal district, secured a Bronze in the Asian Boxing Championships in 2007 and 2013. He earned Gold in the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the South Asian Games in 2016. He received the Arjuna Award in 2014.
• Jitender Kumar, born on July 18, 1988, in Bhiwani, clinched Bronze at the flyweight category in the 2006 Commonwealth Games and Gold in the 33rd National Games in 2008.
• Vikas Krishan Yadav, born on February 10, 1992, in Hisar district, won Gold in the 2010 Asian Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. He also secured Bronze in the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championship and the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, honored with the Arjuna Award in 2012.
• Gaurav Solanki, born on January 21, 1997, in Faridabad district, became the youngest Indian boxer to win Gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The list of notable boxers from Haryana also includes Dinesh Kumar, Girwar Singh, Ajmer Singh, Amit Panghal, Manish Kaushik, Naman Tanwar, Sunil Kumar, Hawa Singh, Jagdish Singh (awarded the Dronacharya Award), Jai Bhagwan, Mina Kumari, Jyotsna, among others.

Cricket

• Cricket began its journey in Haryana through the Ranji Trophy. The inaugural Ranji match in the state was played in 1982, hosted at the 'Nahar Singh' stadium in Faridabad, built in 1981.
• Oversight of cricket in Haryana is managed by the Haryana Cricket Association.

Key cricket personalities from Haryana include:

• Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, born on January 5, 1941, in Gurugram, was a celebrated cricketer and the Nawab of Pataudi. He captained India's cricket team from 1962 and penned his autobiography, 'Tiger’s Tale' in 1969. Known as 'Tiger Pataudi,' he was honored with the Arjuna Award (1964) and Padma Shri (1967).
• Kapil Dev, born on January 6, 1959, in Chandigarh, earned the moniker 'Haryana Hurricane.' He was named the Indian Cricketer of the Century in 2002 by Wisden. Dev led India to its first World Cup win in 1983 and received accolades like the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan.
• Virender Sehwag, born on October 20, 1978, in Jhajjar district, known as the 'Sultan of Multan,' represented Delhi in cricket. He holds the distinction of being the third batsman in the world to score a triple century in Test cricket and received the Arjuna Award in 2002. He established the Sehwag International School and Sports Academy in Jhajjar.
• Joginder Sharma, born on October 23, 1983, in Rohtak, is a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler who captained Haryana. He notably performed well in the 2007 T20 World Cup in South Africa.
• Yuzvendra Chahal, born on July 23, 1990, in Jind, represents India in ODIs and T20Is. He plays for Haryana in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. Chahal is known for his fast bowling and achieved the milestone of 50 wickets in T20Is during the series against Bangladesh in November 2019.
• Among other cricketers from Haryana are Ajay Ratra, Joginder Rao, and Ajay Jadeja.

Hockey

• Hockey has thrived in Haryana, managed by 'Hockey Haryana,' the acknowledged State Association that oversees all men's and women's hockey activities.
• The association conducts various events like the Hockey Indian Sub-Junior Women National Championship, Hockey State Sub-Junior Men National Championship, and the Hockey India Senior Women National Hockey Championship.

Profiles of significant hockey players from Haryana:

• Mamta Kharab, born on January 26, 1982, in Rohtak, is the former Captain of the Indian Women’s Hockey Team. Known as the 'Golden Girl,' she was part of the team that secured Gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games and the 2004 Hockey Asia Cup. She also contributed to Silver wins at the 18th Commonwealth Games (Melbourne 2006) and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Kharab received the prestigious Bhim Award and the Arjuna Award in 2003.
• Sandeep Singh, born on February 27, 1986, in Shahabad, Kurukshetra, is a renowned Indian field hockey player and a former captain of the Indian National Team. Recognized for his penalty corner expertise, Singh debuted internationally in January 2004 and later captained the team. Under his leadership, India clinched Gold at the Sultan Azlam Shah Cup in 2009. He was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2010 and the Khel Ratna Award in August 2017.
• Sardar Singh, born on July 15, 1986, in Sant Nagar, Sirsa, is a former professional field hockey player and captain of the Indian National Team. Singh led the team to numerous victories, including Silver at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, Bronze at the 2010 Asian Games, and Gold at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games. He received the Arjuna Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri in 2015.
• Other notable hockey players from Haryana include Bhupinder Kaur, Pritam Thakran, Kuldeep Siwach, Suman Bala, Surinder Kaur, Pritam Rani Siwach, Jasjit Kaur Handa, Sita Gosai, Sandeep Singh, Anil Nandal, Sanjay Dang, Kamla Dalal, Balvinder Kaur, Sunita Dalal, Rajvinder Kaur, Rani Rampal, among others.

Kabaddi

• Kabaddi holds a significant place in Haryana's sporting landscape and is regarded as the indigenous sport of the state. The Pro-Kabaddi League, initiated nationally in 2014, was pivotal in boosting the sport's presence across the country.
• The Haryana Steelers, a team from Sonipat, represent the state in the Pro Kabaddi League. They made their debut in the league during the fifth season in 2017.

Profiles of key kabaddi players from Haryana:

• Surender Nada, born on July 1, 1987, in Jhajjar district, serves as the captain and defender of the Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League since its inception in 2017. He was a part of the Indian National Team during the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup held in Ahmedabad. Nada consistently ranks among the top ten defenders in all seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League.
• Deepak Niwas Hooda, born on June 10, 1994, in Chamaria, Rohtak district, has been a member of the Indian team that secured Gold in the Kabaddi World Cup, 2016 South Asian Games, 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championship, and Kabaddi Masters. Additionally, he contributed to the team's Bronze win in the 2018 Asian Games.
• Other prominent Kabaddi players from Haryana include Rammehar, Ram Singh Thardak, Sher Singh, Brahma Prakash, Shed Baniwal, among others.

Wrestling

• Wrestling stands as a traditional and renowned sport in Haryana's heritage. Lila Ram Sangwan from Charkhi-Dadri district won the first-ever Gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games in Kardik (Britain) in 1958, marking a significant moment.
• Chandgi Ram, known as Master Chandgi Ram, achieved the distinction of receiving the Bharat Kesari and Hind Kesari titles twice. Sunita Sharma holds the distinction of being the first female wrestler in Haryana.

Profiles of noteworthy wrestlers from Haryana:

• Sajjan Singh, born on April 24, 1932, in Mahendragarh, earned the Rustam-e-Hind title. He represented India at the Rome Olympic Games in 1960 and secured a Silver medal in wrestling at the Jakarta Asian Games.
• Pahalwan Udaychand, born on June 25, 1935, in Fatehabad district, clinched a Bronze medal in men's freestyle wrestling at the World Wrestling Championship in Yokohama, Japan, in 1961. This achievement led to him receiving India's inaugural Arjuna Award for wrestling in 1962.
• Master Chandgi Ram, born on November 9, 1937, in Sisay, Hisar district, secured a Gold medal in wrestling at the 1970 Asian Games in Bangkok. He was honored with the Arjuna Award in 1969 and the Padma Shri Award in 1971 by the Government of India.
• Yogeshwar Dutt, born on November 2, 1982, in Bhainswal Kalan, Sonipat district, is an accomplished freestyle wrestler. He clinched multiple Gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships and earned Bronze medals in the Olympic Games and Asian Games. Dutt was bestowed with the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2012 and the Padma Shri in 2013.
• Geetika Jakhar, born on August 18, 1985, in Agroha town of Hisar district, won Silver at the Asian Games in 2006 and multiple Gold medals at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships. She was the first female wrestler to receive the Arjuna Award and was honored with the Bhim Award and Kalpana Chawla Excellence Award.
• The Phogat sisters, including Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat, have brought glory to Haryana through their exceptional wrestling careers. They have won Gold and Silver medals at various championships, including the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and Asian Games.
• Several other notable wrestlers from Haryana include Sakshi Malik, Ravinder Khatri, Sumit Malik, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sushil Kumar, Ramesh Kumar, Krishna Godara, Rohtash Singh Dahia, Omprakash Narwal, Tejbir Singh, Ashan Kumar Sangwan, Somvir, among others.

Bodybuilding

• Haryana hosts numerous bodybuilding events within its borders, such as the Haryana Bodybuilding Sirsa, Panipat Classic, and Mr. Haryana competitions. 
• Athletes in this discipline from Haryana actively participate at state, national, and international levels. The Haryana Bodybuilding Association plays a pivotal role in fostering and advancing the sport's development within the state.

Shooting

Shooting stands as a popular sport in Haryana, drawing significant interest from the youth, many of whom aspire for careers in this field. Haryana boasts a global presence in shooting, evident from the establishment of numerous shooting academies in the region.
Notable shooting athletes from Haryana include:

• Gagan Narang, born on May 6, 1983, is a prominent shooting player. He clinched four Gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2010 and a Bronze at the 2012 London Olympics. His achievements earned him the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2011.
• Ankur Mittal, born on March 30, 1992, in Sonipat, secured a silver medal in the 2017 ISSF World Cup, a Gold in the World Championship, and a Bronze in the Commonwealth Games 2019. He's been honored with the Arjuna Award by the Government of India and the Bhim Award by the Government of Haryana.
• Anish Bhanwala, born on September 26, 2002, in Karnal, holds the distinction of being the youngest player to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games. He received the President’s Child Award and secured a Gold medal in the 25 m rapid-fire pistol at the Commonwealth Games 2018.
• Manu Bhaker, born on February 18, 2002, in Goria, Jhajjar, has excelled in shooting sports. She clinched the 10 m air pistol at the 2018 ISSF World Championship, Gold in the Commonwealth Games 2018, and the Youth Olympic Games 2018. Manu Bhaker is the youngest woman to achieve a Gold medal in the ISSF World Cup.

Football

• Football enjoys immense popularity in Haryana, and the Haryana Football Association is dedicated to further promoting this sport. Their efforts aim to engage and attract the youth toward football in the state.
• The Football Academy, initiated by the Haryana Football Association in collaboration with Panasonic India Limited, was established in 2012 at Maharishi Dayanand University in Rohtak. Its primary objective is to train football players, accommodating a total of 30 players in the academy.
• Another football academy was established in Gurugram with the intention of fostering football's growth and popularity. Additionally, the Haryana Football Association has arranged for football training across various locations like Ambala, Rohtak, Gurugram, Hisar, among others.

Other Sports Personalities of Haryana

• Karnam Malleswari, born on June 1, 1975, hails from Andhra Pradesh but represents Haryana in weightlifting due to her marriage there. She achieved a Silver medal in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games and a Bronze at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Malleswari received several accolades including the Arjuna Award in 1994, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 1999, and Padma Shri in 1999.
• Ekta Bhyan, born on June 7, 1985, from Hisar, secured a Gold medal in the Women’s Throw Games during the 2018 Asian Para Games.
• Abhinav Lohan, born on December 13, 1989, is a golfer who earned a Silver medal (Golf Team) at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.
• Saina Nehwal, born on March 17, 1990, in Hisar district, is a renowned badminton player. She clinched Gold in the Commonwealth Games 2010, a Bronze in the London Olympics 2012, and victories in various tournaments like the Australian Open, China Open, and Indian Open in 2014. Nehwal, the sole Indian to win a silver medal in the 2015 World Championships, also achieved Gold at the Commonwealth Games 2018. She was honored with the Arjuna Award in 2009, Padma Shri, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2010, and Padma Bhushan in 2016.
• Shivangi Pathak, born on July 10, 2001, in Hisar, is an Indian mountaineer who became the youngest Indian woman to conquer Mount Everest on May 16, 2018. Additionally, she ascended Mount Kilimanjaro on July 24, 2018, and Mount Elbrus on September 2, 2018.
• Mahek Jyot Pannu, born in Karnal district, is the pioneering Sikh girl to conquer the Mount Konet Peak in Argentina and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.