Haryana government spends Rs. 1 Crore for its Sport Minister's trip to Rio

Haryana Sports minister Anil Vij on Sunday left for a 10-day tour to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil "to boost the morale of the players from the state participating in the ongoing Olympics". He is accompanied by his private secretary, two BJP MLAs, a media adviser to the chief minister, the additional chief secretary (sports), KK Khandelwal, his private secretary, and the joint director for sports OP Sharma.

While Indian athletes such as Dutee Chand were flown to Rio in economy class, Mr. Vij’s and Co. will travel in business class, each ticket which would cost the state government around Rs.90,000. Mr. Vij will also stay with his contingent until the closing ceremony that is going to be held on August 22nd.

When quizzed about the criticism surrounding his extravagant visit to Rio, the Haryana minister said, “I’ve come here to stand by our players who are fighting for India and see what problems they face,” reported The Financial Express.