To empower budding sportspersons of Punjab to compete in the Olympics and other international arenas, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish 13,000 modern rural sports grounds across the state.
Photo: IANS
To empower budding sportspersons of Punjab to compete in the Olympics and other international arenas, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish 13,000 modern rural sports grounds across the state.
Sharing details, Punjab Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond said that construction work on 3,073 sports grounds in villages has already begun under the first phase of the project.
Advertisement
Sond pointed out that no significant steps had been taken in the past to develop sports infrastructure or ensure the holistic growth of youth. He added that developing sports grounds in rural areas will help nurture a strong sporting culture, steer youngsters away from drugs, and channel their energy in a positive direction.
Advertisement
Highlighting the government’s ongoing anti-drug campaign “Yudh Nashiyan Virudh,” the Minister said Punjab is already witnessing a positive transformation. Once these sports facilities are fully operational, he expressed confidence that the youth will permanently shun drugs.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment, Sond said efforts are being made to provide both employment opportunities and world-class sports facilities to the youth. Promising international exposure, he announced that renowned sportspersons who have represented India globally will be appointed as coaches to train emerging talent.
It is noteworthy that Punjab is the first state in the country to extend financial assistance to players even before international competitions—an initiative that has already yielded encouraging results. With the development of rural sports grounds, Punjab is now poised to achieve new milestones on the national and international sports map.
Advertisement
