*AAP Govt honors Delhi’s 5 players and one coach, who have brought pride to country in Olympics and Paralympics
*CM Atishi honors these players with cash reward of ₹3.35 crore under AAP Govt’s Cas Incentive Scheme
*Honored players share tips with children of Delhi Sports School on achieving success in competitions; answer their questions
*Whenever Indian athletes win medal and national flag rises, it’s moment that brings tears of joy to everyone’s eyes: CM Atishi
*In last decade, AAP Govt has worked tirelessly to support and nurture new, world-class athletes in Delhi: CM Atishi
*At Delhi Sports School, children are being trained in 10 Olympic sports; In future, these young athletes will fly India’s tricolor high at Olympic Games: CM Atishi
*Delhi Govt is running schemes such as ‘Cash Incentives’, ‘Play and Progress’, and ‘Mission Excellence' to encourage athletes and hone their talent: CM Atishi
NEW DELHI: 2nd January 2025-The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government honored five players and a coach from Delhi who brought glory to India in the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics by providing them with a fixed amount under the cash incentive scheme. Chief Minister Atishi awarded cheque of ₹2 crore to Sharad Kumar, ₹1 crore to Aman, ₹10 lakh each to Sharad Kumar’s coach Sajal Kumar Rai, Tulika Maan, and Vikas Singh, and ₹5 lakh to Amoj Jacob. In total, ₹3.35 crore was distributed among these athletes by the government. Children from the Delhi Sports School were also present on this occasion. The honored athletes shared tips with the children on achieving success in national and international sports events and answered their questions.
Speaking at the event, CM Atishi said that over the past 10 years, the AAP government has made every effort to support and nurture the talent of new and international-level athletes in Delhi. CM Atishi further remarked, “I often feel that our athletes, who work tirelessly day and night to achieve their goals and participate in competitions, may not realize the immense hope and pride millions of Indians feel when they compete at the Olympics or any international event.
“There are millions in this country who follow our athletes’ performances closely. Whenever an Indian athlete wins a medal, stands on the podium, and the Indian tricolor is raised, it is a moment of unity for the entire nation. At that moment, there is no one whose eyes do not well up with tears. The role athletes play in uniting and connecting the country emotionally is unparalleled,” she stated.
CM Atishi said, “When we see our athletes winning medals at the Olympics or Asian Games, we feel immense pride. But at the same time, there is a lingering pain in the heart: India is such a large country with so many talented athletes and youth, yet why is it that smaller countries often win far more medals than us?”
She further stated, “In conversations with athletes, it often comes up that the fault does not lie with them but with the shortcomings of our governments, which have failed to support our talented athletes adequately. Talent among children and athletes is crucial, but sports training itself is very expensive — whether it is equipment, training, or diet. I feel that if families do not support their children from a very young age, even the most talented ones struggle to move forward.”
The Delhi Chief Minister further expressed her happiness, stating that over the past 10 years, the AAP-led Delhi government has made every effort to provide maximum support to both new and international-level athletes. She added, “Two years ago, we established the Delhi Sports School, where children are being trained in 10 Olympic sports. I invite all Olympic athletes to visit the sports school. If you have the opportunity, please come and witness the rigorous training these children undergo at such a young age. It will fill you with pride to see how hard they are working here.”
The Chief Minister stated that a few days ago, during her visit, the children expressed their desire for more training sessions, as they currently have only two per day and are eager to work harder. She continued, “I am confident that in the coming years, these children will raise India’s tricolor at the Olympics. It’s not just the children of our sports school; we have also made efforts to train children from other Delhi government schools. For our young athletes, we launched the Play and Progress scheme to support players up to the age of 17. I am pleased to share that since the scheme’s inception in 2018, we have supported over 1,400 athletes, providing them with assistance totaling more than ₹31 crore.”
“For players who have graduated from school and are preparing for international competitions, we launched the Mission Excellence program, which provides financial assistance of up to ₹16 lakh to athletes. Since 2018, under this program, 394 athletes have been supported with over ₹25 crore spent on them,” she added.
CM Atishi also highlighted the significant development of sports infrastructure in Delhi. She shared an anecdote, saying, “A few years ago, when we inaugurated our first hockey astroturf field, a sports journalist made an insightful comment. He pointed out that India used to win many medals in hockey, but the number declined because international hockey is played on astroturf, while training facilities for students in India largely used grass. The speed of the game on grass and astroturf differs greatly, with astroturf enabling a much faster-paced game.”
“The journalist told me that I might not realize the magnitude of what we had done. By inaugurating the astroturf field in Ghumanhera, we’ve paved the way for many Olympic golds in hockey for India, as students now have the opportunity to train on international-standard turf. Similarly, whether it is swimming, synthetic tracks, or football grounds, our focus has always been on providing maximum support to our young athletes,” she added.
CM Atishi said that today, the students of our sports school had the opportunity to interact with Olympians. She described the conversation as unique and added, “I hope the students gained immense inspiration and learned a lot from these Olympians. I envision a future where, when these students compete at the international level, Delhi produces so many Olympic gold medalists that there won’t be enough space on stage for them all. Not only Delhi but the entire country has high hopes from the students of our Delhi Sports School, expecting that you will elevate India’s medal tally to triple digits.”
*Athletes Shared Their Experiences*
*I am deeply grateful to the Delhi government for encouraging our hard work and dedication: Sharad Kumar*
Sharad Kumar, who won a silver medal in athletics, shared, “We athletes work extremely hard to reach where we are today. I am deeply grateful to the Delhi government for recognizing and encouraging our efforts. This journey is not just about an individual; it’s about building a whole team. My own struggle began during school. While most children have parents to guide them, my schoolteachers became my guardians. They motivated me to participate in sports competitions and consistently showed faith in me, telling me time and again that I could succeed.”
“For people living with disabilities, there are additional challenges. People talk, and families often worry about injuries. But we must dedicate ourselves to the sport that brings us the most happiness, as this makes the struggle easier to endure,” he concluded.
*This medal was possible because of my coach’s blessings and the support of the Delhi government: Aman*
Aman, who won a bronze medal in wrestling, said, “This Olympic medal is not just the result of my hard work; it was made possible by the blessings of my coach and the support of the Delhi government. When I was 10 years old, I lost both my parents and came to Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium. My guru took care of everything for me there. From that moment, I resolved that I would not return home without winning an Olympic medal. This achievement is the result of the collective hard work of our entire team.”
*No other government in the country supports athletes as much as the Delhi government does: Ravi Dahiya*
Ravi Dahiya, a multiple Olympic medalist, said, “My father has always been deeply passionate about wrestling. In Haryana, farmers do not have many resources, so wrestling is considered the most affordable sport. I practiced wrestling for some time in my village before my father brought me to Delhi in 2007. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to train with experienced and renowned athletes in Delhi.
He further stated, “You children are also very fortunate to be in Delhi because no other state in the country offers such facilities. I never imagined I would win an Olympic medal, though it was always a dream of mine. The kind of support the Delhi government is providing to athletes is unmatched anywhere else in the country. Initiatives like the schemes for athletes, the Delhi Sports School, and the School of Excellence are truly commendable.”
*Delhi Sports School Students Interact with Olympians*
Tenth-grade student Avishka Yadav asked Sharad Kumar what inspired him to pursue athletics. Sharad Kumar responded, “When I was in school, many of my friends were into high jump. When I told them I also wanted to try, they said I wouldn’t be able to do it. One day, when everyone had gone for lunch, I decided to give it a try when no one was watching. I ran, jumped, and succeeded on my very first attempt. In fact, the height I jumped was a record for that division. After that, I continued improving, and those who once mocked me now cheer me on.”
Tenth-grader Lavanya asked wrestler Aman how to overcome failure. Aman replied, “Every athlete’s journey has ups and downs. Whenever I faced challenges, I never focused on the difficulties. I always kept my eyes on my ultimate goal of competing in the Olympics and World Championships. Focusing on my goals gave me the strength to overcome any obstacles.”
Another student, Shivi Godara, asked Olympian Ravi Dahiya how many hours he trained daily. Ravi answered, “I believe the training you do during your sessions is the most important. Focus entirely on what your coach teaches you. We used to train from 5:00 AM to 8:30 AM in the morning and from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the evening. Consistency in training is crucial. You shouldn’t train for 7-8 hours one day and then take a rest the next day.”
Lastly, tenth-grader Dimpy asked Sharad Kumar how an athlete should cope when their performance stagnates. Sharad replied, “A coach plays a crucial role in such situations. Athletes give their all, but it’s the coach who refines every movement and helps them improve. My coach often says that the one who stays fit during competitions ultimately wins. Patience is also essential in such times. Staying calm and persistent is key to overcoming performance plateaus.”
*Five Players and One Coach Honored*
I) Sharad Kumar, Athletics (High Jump), Silver, ₹2 Crore
II) Aman, Wrestling (57 kg Weight Category), Bronze, ₹1 Crore
III) Sajal Kumar Rai, Athletics Coach (Sharad Kumar), ₹10 Lakh
IV) Tulika Mann, Judo (78 kg Weight Category), Participation, ₹10 Lakh
V) Amogh Jacob, Athletics (4x400m Relay), Participation, ₹5 Lakh
VI) Vikas Singh, Athletics (20 km Walk), Participation, ₹10 Lakh
*Cash Incentive Scheme:*
The Delhi Government honors its athletes by providing cash incentives for winning medals in state, national, and international competitions such as the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. Under this scheme, Olympic gold medalists receive up to 3 crore rupees as a cash incentive.
*Year* *No. of Beneficiaries* *Amt(in ₹)*
2018-19 3,405 14,09,82,000
2019-20 3,050 09,00,04,000
2020-21 & 21-22 2,393 07,83,22,000
2022-23 1,912 08,21,35,000
*Total* *10,760* *39,14,43,000*
*Other Schemes of the Sports Branch*
*Play and Progress Scheme:*
This is a major initiative by the Delhi Government aimed at providing financial support to school athletes in Delhi. Under this scheme, players up to 17 years of age receive financial aid ranging from 2 lakh to 3 lakh rupees. The scheme helps school athletes receive training for high-level competitions and enhance their talent.
*Year* No. of Beneficiaries Amt (in ₹)
2018-19 379 8,94,30,000
2019-20 328 8,04,20,000
2018-19 (Monitoring Module) 217 5,71,00,000
2020-21 & 21-22 521 8,78,20,000
*Total* *1,445* *31,47,70,000*
*Mission Excellence Scheme:*
This initiative provides financial aid up to 16 lakh rupees to outstanding athletes to help them achieve international success. It offers support for training and coaching to participate in international competitions and championships, aiming for excellence in their respective sports.
*Year* *No. of Beneficiaries* *Amt (in ₹)*
2018 117 9,51,41,000
2019 83 4,65,70,000
2018 (Monitoring Module) 60 4,40,00,000
2020-21 & 21-22 134 6,66,85,000
*Total* *394* *25,23,96,000*
*Other Initiatives in Sports Infrastructure in Government Schools*
*Facility* *2015-16* *2024*
Swimming Pools 0 27
Football Grounds 0 7
Hockey Turf 0 3
To provide better sports facilities for Delhi’s athletes, the government has proposed a budget of 118 crore rupees for sports education in this financial year.
*Delhi Sports University:*
To show its commitment to sports and education, the Delhi Government has established the Delhi Sports University, India’s first such institution. India’s first female Olympic medalist, Padma Shri K. Malleshwari, has been appointed as its first Vice-Chancellor.
*Delhi Sports School:*
Delhi Sports School serves as a feeder institution to Delhi Sports University. It is the city’s first fully residential school dedicated exclusively to sports. The aim is to help students achieve the highest level of success in their chosen sport to perform well at national and international competitions. The school offers world-class facilities and training in 10 Olympic sports. In 2023-24, students from the Delhi Sports School participated in eight sports, winning 19 national-level medals and 88 medals in the Delhi State Championship.
*Students who performed excellently:*
Sandhya won a gold medal in Table Tennis (SGFI National Under-17 category).
Chesta secured a gold medal in Boxing in the same age group.
Divyansh Rawat and Deepanshu both won gold medals in Badminton (SGFI National Badminton Doubles).
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*AAP Govt’s new year gift to Delhiites: CM Atishi inaugurates Punjabi Bagh Club Road Flyover
*This flyover will save 11 lakh litres of fuel annually, cut pollution equivalent to planting 65,000 trees, and save Delhiites 40,000 hours daily: CM Atishi
*1.12-km six-lane flyover will ease traffic for 3 lakh daily commuters in Najafgarh, Azadpur, Raja Garden, and Paschim Vihar, eliminating jams at three major red lights: CM Atishi
*Under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, AAP Govt has delivered 39 flyovers and underpasses in last decade: CM Atishi
NEW DELHI: 2nd January, 2025-The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has dedicated the Punjabi Bagh Club Road Flyover to people of Delhi at the start of the New Year. Chief Minister Atishi inaugurated the Punjabi Bagh Flyover on Thursday, which will save 11 lakh litres of fuel annually and reduce pollution equal to planting 65,000 trees. It will also save commuters 40,000 hours daily and ease traffic for over 3 lakh people in areas like Najafgarh and Raja Garden. Over the last decade, the AAP government, under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, has built 39 flyovers in Delhi.
The Delhi Chief Minister pointed out that Delhi’s per capita income has increased 2.5 times over the past decade, now standing at Rs. 4,62,000—well above the national average. CM Atishi framed this achievement as a direct result of the people’s trust in an honest and hardworking government, showcasing how AAP’s governance has reshaped Delhi’s urban landscape and economy. Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker Rakhi Birla, MLA Shiv Charan Goel, and other dignitaries attended the event.
Congratulating everyone on the inauguration of the Punjabi Bagh Flyover, Chief Minister Atishi stated, "The Punjabi Bagh Flyover is not just a gift for the residents of Punjabi Bagh, Madipur, and Moti Nagar, but for all Delhiites. This section of the Ring Road, connecting Azadpur to Najafgarh via Punjabi Bagh, Basai Darapur, and Paschim Vihar, has long been a source of frustration due to daily traffic jams. People stuck in traffic for hours dreaded taking these routes. With this flyover, millions of Delhiites will now experience relief from traffic jams and enjoy smoother travel."
The Delhi Chief Minister highlighted the significance of the six-lane flyover, spanning over 1.12 km, which crosses the Najafgarh Drain and ESI Hospital. She remarked, "This flyover eliminates three major traffic signals, bringing relief to vehicles traveling to and from Azadpur, Raja Garden, Paschim Vihar, Najafgarh, and ESI Hospital."
She further pointed out that this flyover is part of a larger project, complementing the Moti Nagar Flyover, which was converted from a single-lane to a double-lane flyover under the leadership of then CM, Arvind Kejriwal, in March 2024. With today’s inauguration, the Punjabi Bagh Flyover project stands complete.
CM Atishi shared the broader impact of the project, stating, "This flyover will benefit approximately 3.45 lakh people daily, including those traveling by cars, buses, and two-wheelers. It is estimated to save Delhiites about 40,800 hours daily. Over a year, this project will save 11 lakh litres of petrol and diesel, significantly reducing pollution in Delhi—equivalent to planting 65,000 trees."
Praising the efforts of the PWD department, she added, "Pollution is a major issue in Delhi, worsened by traffic jams. Today, the Delhi Government has successfully mitigated pollution equal to planting 65,000 trees through this project."
CM Atishi emphasised, “This Punjabi Bagh Flyover is the 39th flyover constructed in the last ten years under the Aam Aadmi Party government. Infrastructure expansion in Delhi – including flyovers, elevated roads, and underpasses – has never progressed at the pace achieved under the AAP government, in Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership.”
She further emphasised, “Whether it’s West Delhi with the Punjabi Bagh and Moti Nagar flyovers, South Delhi with the Rao Tula Ram Flyover, Ashram Underpass, and Sarai Kale Khan Flyover, East Delhi with the Anand Vihar Flyover, the ongoing flyover in Nand Nagri, Seelampur flyover, and Signature Bridge, or North Delhi with the Mukundpur-Bhalswa elevated road, Delhi’s infrastructure growth is truly remarkable.”
“In just ten years, under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, the AAP government has completed 39 flyovers, elevated roads and underpasses—a milestone unmatched in Delhi’s history,” asserted the Chief Minister.
CM Atishi highlighted, “In 2014, Delhi ranked fourth globally for traffic congestion. Today, Delhi has dropped to 44th place, which is a clear testament to the improved traffic speed. Beyond just flyovers, Delhi’s overall infrastructure has seen remarkable growth.”
She further noted, “Now just flyovers, when we look at the Delhi Metro, by 2015, only 200 km of metro lines had been completed in about 19 years. However, in just 10 years, under the AAP Government, an additional 200 km has been completed, and 250 km more are under construction – a total expansion of 450 km in just a decade.”
She asserted, “Over 10,000 km of roads have been constructed, 6,800 km of sewer lines laid, and 4,000 km of water pipelines installed. A decade ago, Delhi had only 67,000 streetlights. The AAP government worked on a war footing to eliminate dark spots, and today, there are over 4 lakh streetlights, effectively brightening every corner of the city.”
She also pointed out, “Similarly, 10 years ago, Delhi had only 25,000 CCTV cameras. Today, Delhi boasts over 3 lakh CCTV cameras, the highest for any city globally. In fact, in the last 10 years, we have installed cameras at such an impressive scale that we have surpassed cities like London and New York. Over 4 lakh CCTV cameras have been set up across the city, with a particular focus on enhancing the safety of women. The expansion of infrastructure in Delhi on a war footing, including water pipelines, sewer lines, CCTV cameras, and streetlights, has also significantly boosted the city’s economy.”
CM Atishi explained, “Any economist will tell that a city or country progresses when its government invests in infrastructure—building roads, flyovers, buses, schools, and hospitals. Over the past 10 years, the Aam Aadmi Party Government has rapidly developed infrastructure, and this has reflected in Delhi’s economy.”
She went on to highlight, “Delhi’s GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product), which is an indicator of the state’s economy, was Rs. 4.95 lakh crore in 2014-15, before the AAP government came to power. In just 10 years, it has increased 2.5 times to Rs. 11.08 lakh crore. No other state’s GDP in the country has grown as fast as Delhi’s.”
CM Atishi highlighted that Delhi’s GDP has grown 2.5 times faster than other states under the leadership of the AAP government. Along with the state’s GDP, the per capita income of Delhi’s residents has also risen significantly. In 2014-15, the per capita income of Delhi’s residents was Rs. 2,47,000. By 2024, it has reached Rs. 4,62,000—2.5 times higher than the national average. Among states with a population of over one crore, Delhi has the highest per capita income.
CM Atishi highlighted the remarkable growth in Delhi’s infrastructure, stating, “The expansion of Delhi’s infrastructure—construction of roads, metro projects, schools, and hospitals—has led to significant growth in the city’s economy and a substantial increase in the per capita income of its residents over the past 10 years.”
She further emphasised, “As a result, Delhi now has the lowest inflation rate in the country. This has only been possible because Delhiites elected an honest and hardworking government.”
Reflecting on the development trajectory, she added, “Over the last 10 years, the speed of Delhi’s development through infrastructure projects like roads, schools, and hospitals has been unmatched in any other part of the country.”
Looking ahead, CM Atishi asserted, “I hope that in the next 5 years, Delhi’s pace of development will continue to accelerate, and both the city and its residents will keep progressing.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the Delhi Assembly and MLA, Rakhi Bidlan, stated that today marks a historic and joyous moment for all of Delhi, as the flyover inaugurated by Chief Minister Atishi connects Outer Delhi to South Delhi. Located in the heart of West Delhi, the Punjabi Bagh Club Flyover will become a lifeline for Delhiites, offering not just time savings for travelers but also a sense of pride in contributing to the city’s transformation.
She added, “In the last 10 years, the AAP Government has constructed 39 flyovers across Delhi, not only freeing people from traffic jams but also significantly improving the pace of life. The AAP government remains committed to tirelessly working for the welfare and progress of the common people.”
“A standout feature of this flyover is its cost efficiency. Initially estimated at Rs. 352 crore, it was completed for Rs. 312 crore, saving Rs. 40 crore. This saving serves as a message to BJP, Congress, and other opposition parties, demonstrating how initiatives like the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, Sanjeevani Yojana, and Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana will be funded. Over the last decade, the Delhi government has consistently saved costs on infrastructure projects, and these savings will now be directed towards empowering the women of Delhi,” further added Rakhi Bidlan.
AAP MLA Shiv Charan Goel described Chief Minister Atishi’s inauguration of the Punjabi Bagh Flyover as a gift of ‘Sanjeevani Booti’ for the Moti Nagar constituency, something they had eagerly awaited. Punjabi Bagh, once infamous for being among the most polluted areas, is now expected to see a drastic reduction in pollution levels due to this flyover.
He emphasised that the flyover will resolve a 20-kilometre-long traffic jam on the Ring Road, potentially reducing travel time to the Delhi Airport and Gurgaon to just 20 minutes. Additionally, several related projects have been completed alongside the flyover, including subways connecting East Punjabi Bagh to West Punjabi Bagh, Sudarshan Park to Punjabi Bagh Club, and ESI Hospital to Basai Darapur Metro Station.
Shiv Charan Goel further highlighted that a high-tension wire, long considered a safety hazard for residents, has now been moved underground as part of the project. This single flyover has addressed multiple challenges for the area, marking a significant improvement in infrastructure and safety.
*CM Atishi inspected the newly constructed flyover*
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi inaugurated the Punjabi Bagh Flyover on Thursday, presenting it as a gift to the people of Delhi. She cut the ribbon and unveiled the name plaque to mark the occasion. Following this, engineers shared all relevant details about the flyover with CM Atishi. During the event, she also inspected the newly constructed Punjabi Bagh Flyover.
*Features of this project:*
*Club Road Flyover:*
This is a six-lane flyover constructed over the Najafgarh Drain. It spans from ESI Hospital to Club Road, covering a length of 1.12 km. Currently, vehicles heading to Punjabi Bagh and Paschim Vihar on the Ring Road pass through Basai Darapur. The new flyover will help reduce this traffic. Vehicles traveling from Raja Garden to Azadpur and vice versa can use this flyover to avoid traffic jams.
*Moti Nagar Flyover:*
This additional three-lane flyover, measuring 495 meters in length, was inaugurated on 13 March 2024 by the then Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. It is used daily by 3,76,596 commuters, saving them 6.5 minutes per trip. This results in a daily saving of approximately 40,798 human hours and an annual economic benefit of Rs. 99.95 crore. Additionally, it saves 11 lakh litres of fuel annually, valued at Rs. 103.7 crore.
*The construction cost will be recovered in two years:*
In the first year, 1,402 carbon credits will be earned, equivalent to emission savings worth Rs. 39.73 lakh. This is comparable to planting 64,492 trees annually. The total annual savings will amount to Rs. 204.05 crore, recovering the project’s cost in approximately two years.