Haryana Government has decided to formulate an air sports policy to promote sports tourism. The Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala announced the decision after reviewing various Civil and Aviation Department projects. Chautala underscored the vital importance of nurturing an air sports culture in India, emphasizing the nation’s potential to become a prominent global player in air sports. The introduction of an Air Sports Policy in Haryana is expected to not only enhance sports tourism but also generate valuable employment opportunities for the youth, consequently boosting the state’s revenue. Furthermore, the Deputy Chief Minister issued directives to his officials, urging them to closely examine the Central Government’s groundbreaking ‘National Air Sports Policy,’ marking the country’s first foray into this domain. As a proactive move, the State Government will prepare its own Air Sports Policy with the objective of maximizing participation and, by extension, elevating the state’s revenue prospects. This initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Haryana’s future in air sports and is set to become a game-changer for the state’s overall economic development.
Air sports encompass a variety of disciplines, including air racing, aerobatics, aero-modelling, hang gliding, paragliding, para-motoring, and skydiving. Some of these sports have international competitions, but India has not participated in them on a permanent basis. The Central Government’s recent introduction of the ‘National Air Sports Policy’ could pave the way for India to compete in international air sports competitions. Chautala also highlighted Haryana’s suitability for air sports due to its favourable geographical location and weather conditions. He mentioned the growing interest among Indian youth in adventure sports and flight-related activities.
He said that that the introduction of air sports activities in Haryana would generate revenue for the state government, boost travel and tourism, and promote infrastructure development and local employment, ultimately transforming Haryana into a hub for air sports. Present at the meeting include Additional Chief Secretary, Civil Aviation Department, Raja Shekhar Vundru, OSD to the Deputy Chief Minister, Kamlesh Bhadu, and other senior officers.