Chandigarh, Feb. 10 -- Haryana government's objective is that no talented sportsperson of the state should lag behind due to lack of resources, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said after distributing Rs.24 crore prize money among 417 medal winners and participating players of National Games. Haryana's players delivered an outstanding performance in the 38th National Games held in Uttarakhand. A total of 689 players from the state participated in 33 different sports and won 153 medals, proving that Haryana has become a sports powerhouse. These included 48 gold, 47 silver and 58 bronze medals. The government is giving incentive awards of Rs.7 lakh to gold medal winners, Rs.5 lakh to silver medal winners and Rs.3 lakh to bronze medal winners of the National Games. Participants are also given Rs.51,000 each as encouragement. Addressing the gathering at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Gurugram, after inaugurating the chief minister's cup and distributing awards to medal winners of the 38th National Games, chief minister Saini said Haryana has now become a powerhouse of sports. Stating that the state not only produces crops but also champions on the playing field, he said Haryana is no longer known only as the land of farmers and soldiers. "Haryana has earned a nationwide identity as a land of sports. From National Games to the Olympics, Haryana's presence is being felt across the country," said Saini who also honoured hockey player Savita Punia, who was awarded Padma Shri on the eve of the Republic Day. Encouraging participants of the Chief Minister's Cup, he said 3,600 players are participating in six sports competitions in this three-day event. Cash prizes of Rs.1 lakh for gold, Rs.70,000 for silver and Rs.50,000 for bronze winners will be given. He said the cup reflects the government's vision of identifying and promoting talent from every village and city. Wrestlers, boxers, athletes, shooters, hockey players and many others from Haryana are bringing pride to the country. The CM said the government is fully committed to the welfare and promotion of sportspersons. Sports and youth affairs minister Gaurav Gautam said out of 689 Haryana players who participated in the 38th National Games, 153 won medals. Meanwhile, while presiding over the meeting of the District Public Relations and Grievance Redressal Committee in Gurugram, Saini said the government is committed to overall development of Gurugram and the resolution of citizens' problems. He stated that officers should carry out public-interest works with the highest priority, full sensitivity and responsibility, ensuring that no negligence occurs at any level....