Haryana

• 21 Mar 2022

Best State Award for Promotion of Sports

Why in News

• On March 19, 2022 Haryana was awarded 'Best State Award for Promotion of Sports'. Haryana received this award after beating Odisha and other states for three consecutive years.

Key Points

• Haryana Sports Minister Sardar Sandeep Singh received the 'Best State Award for Promotion of Sports' on behalf of the state at the annual Sports Awards function organized by the ACES Sports Star Awards Hindu Group.
• Apart from this, the players of Haryana brought laurels to the state by getting awards in eight other categories as well.
• Neeraj Chopra of Haryana was awarded the 'Sport Star of the Year' and 'Best Player in Track and Field' award at the ACES Sports Star Awards ceremony.
• Similarly, 'Best Para Male Sportsperson' to Sumit Antil; Ravi Dahiya named 'Best player in the individual game'; Savita Punia named 'Best player in the team'; The Indian Hockey Team (Men) was awarded the 'Best Movement in the Olympics (Team)' and 'National Team of the Year' and the Indian Hockey Team (Women) with the 'Best Team Award'. It is noteworthy that nine players in the Indian Hockey Team (Women) were from Haryana.
• This year, a jury headed by former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar selected Haryana as the winner of the award for its role in promoting grassroots sports and the Olympic movement.
• The Haryana government has been making continuous efforts to promote sports for years. The skill shown by the players of Haryana in national and international sports competitions and the large number of awards received have proved the significance of the sports policy implemented in the state.

35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Why in News

• On March 19, 2022 Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar officially inaugurated the world famous Surajkund Crafts Mela after a long gap of two years.

Key Points

• This is the 35th edition of the Surajkund Mela to be held from March 19 to April 4, 2022. The fair was not organized for 2 years due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
• Since 1987, Surajkund Crafts Mela has been continuously showcasing the richness and diversity of handicrafts, handlooms and cultural heritage of India.
• Organized jointly by Surajkund Mela Authority and Haryana Tourism in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Tourism, Textiles, Culture, External Affairs and Government of Haryana, this handicraft festival has earned a prominent place on the international tourism calendar for showcasing its crafts, culture and cuisines of India. has been established.
• J&K is the 'Theme State' of 35th Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2022, hence Vaishno Devi Temple, Amarnath Cave, Apna Ghar representing architecture from Kashmir, live performance of House Boat and replicas of Memorial Gate 'Mubarak Mandi-Jammu' are the main attractions.
• Also, hundreds of artists from Jammu and Kashmir will perform various folk arts and dances. From traditional dance art forms to exquisite crafts, a bouquet of heritage and culture of Jammu and Kashmir will be the main attraction of this fair showcasing the unique culture and rich heritage through various art forms and handicrafts.
• Through this fair, thousands of artisans of the country get a platform to display their art and products widely. Along with this, this fair also plays an important role in reviving the heritage craft of India.
• In this fair, traditional and cultural artists performed Kachhi Ghodi, Stick Walker, Kalbelia, Beharupia of Rajasthan, Kangri Nati of Himachal, Bihu of Assam, Bhangra, Jindua, Jhumer of Punjab, Choupal of Uttarakhand, Holi of Barsana of Uttar Pradesh, of Meghalaya. Wangiya, Sambalpuri Odisha, Badhaai of Madhya Pradesh, Lavani of Maharashtra will be performed.
• Surajkund Crafts Mela was upgraded to International level in the year 2013. In 2020, more than 30 countries from Europe, Africa and Asia participated in this fair, while this year also more than 30 countries will be part of this fair.
• These include partner countries of Latin American countries including Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Namibia, Sudan, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Angola, Ghana, Thailand, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iran, Maldives and other countries.