Golden Era of Sports in Punjab: Mann Government Allocates INR 979 Crore for Sports Development

The CM Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government is taking significant initiatives to pull the state’s youth away from drug addiction by encouraging participation in sports. There was a period when village youth was stuck in the cycle of substance abuse, but the current government is now providing an environment for young people to build their future through sports instead of falling prey to drugs. According to government sources, the Mann government has decided to establish sports stadiums in every village of Punjab with the objective to offer youth proper facilities, clear direction, and a strong foundation to lead a drug-free life. As an outcome, the youth of Punjab are now preparing to excel in various sporting disciplines.

According to official data, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has earmarked INR 979 crore for sports development in the current budget. This is the highest-ever allocation for sports in the state’s history and is expected to be a significant push for the sports culture in Punjab. Under this initiative, the government plans to develop modern sports grounds in nearly 13,000 villages. Rural stadiums are being upgraded, and construction work has already commenced in 3,083 villages during the first phase. These stadiums are set to emerge as a new symbol of identity for villages across the state.

The government has introduced several other major initiatives to promote sports, including the New Sports Policy 2023, the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ tournament, and the establishment of sports nurseries. The New Sports Policy 2023 focuses on ensuring transparent talent identification while providing athletes with high-quality facilities. Under this policy, deserving players get equal opportunities to display their abilities at both state and national platforms.

‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ is an annual sports competition launched by the Mann government. During its third edition in 2024, nearly five lakh athletes took part across 37 sporting events, with para-sports also included. Additionally, the government is setting up 1,000 sports nurseries where players will receive professional coaching, modern equipment, and advanced facilities.

The government has also lifted the ban on heritage sports, which led to the revival of traditional activities such as bullock cart races, dog races, and horse races. These steps focus on restoring Punjab’s cultural heritage and strengthening the bond between youth and their traditions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to transforming Punjab into a vibrant state is steadily taking shape. The government has strengthened law and order and taken revolutionary measures in the education sector in addition to improving basic amenities. Ultra-modern stadiums are expected to come up in villages throughout Punjab in the near future.

The Punjab government also plans to provide sports and gym facilities for people of all age groups in both urban and rural areas, with the aim of making the state healthier. This initiative represents a fresh start for youth struggling with drug addiction with the promotion of sports. According to sources, Punjab is currently witnessing a decisive phase of transformation, and the credit for this change is being attributed to the Aam Aadmi Party government.

Punjab has historically produced some of the country’s finest athletes and has earned international recognition, particularly in the field of hockey. Through focused and strategic efforts, the Mann government is working to revive the state’s lost prominence in athletics. These initiatives are expected to strengthen modern sports infrastructure, improve training environments, and provide young athletes with better opportunities to achieve excellence and bring laurels to the state once again.