Haryana's young rowers struggling for training; appeal for water access

MAKHAND/JIND: Uneven and raw roads, about 30 kilometers away from the Jind district headquarters, young boys and girls from ordinary households are searching for their future amid the adverse situation.

These boys and girls, who are trying to find a future in rowing, are forced to travel from one place to another to get training. They struggle for 10 days in one canal, then shift to another canal for another 10 days.

The children, coming from common families, are now appealing to the government to make arrangements in the Hansi Branch Canal near Haibatpur village, close to Jind. The children say they need a 2-kilometer stretch for training, but the water in the canal only lasts for 10 days. Therefore, the government should create a barricading point after 10 days, so that training can continue in the water even when the canal closes. "The children are hopeful for medals, but they also hope the government will do something for them, they added.

Retired Subedar Chand Chahal, who is training the children, said that Jind can become the rowing hub of Haryana. Jind is the only district where 150 boys and girls from across the state are struggling to make the country proud. Some of these children have even won gold medals at the Asian Games. There are no facilities for these children within Haryana, which is why they are training in canal water and are among the top five in the country. The National Games will begin in Tehri on January 31, and the children are preparing for it. Earlier, they used to train in Haibatpur village near Jind, but due to the canal closure, they have moved to Makhand village. This constant traveling wastes a lot of time. Bringing all the equipment and traveling back and forth is exhausting and time-consuming. The 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympics are coming up, so the government is requested to find a permanent solution before that, keeping the children’s future in mind. Installing a barricade is not a big task, so the government should make efforts to make Haryana a hub for rowing, he added.

"I lost my father and was a national-level athlete, but due to an accident, I injured my leg and lost my future in athletics. I have competed in rowing at the national and international levels. Now, I have hope in rowing. Therefore, I request Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to make a permanent arrangement for us so that girls from common families like mine can build their future," said Kiran, a native of Dahola village of this district.

There are no basic amenities like washrooms and other things for girls. “ I joined this game after my grandfather inspired me. I have won the gold medal and silver medal in the sub-junior category in the Asian Games held in 2022. Now I am preparing to repeat the history but require better facilities, said Suman, a native of Sangatpura village of this district.

The state government should interfere in the matter so that players may perform better in the future,” she added.

Talking to TOI, Mohammad Imran Raza, deputy commissioner of Jind district said that the matter would be taken seriously. “I will speak with the irrigation department and officials concerned to assist players,” he added.