Punjab’s Push for Sports Excellence

In a drive to nurture a new generation of international sports talent, the Punjab government is making significant strides in promoting a strong sports culture across the state. Minister for Tourism, Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour, Hospitality, Industry, Commerce, Rural Development and Panchayats, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, recently highlighted these efforts during the prize distribution ceremony of the Sub-Junior Hockey National Championship

The event, held at the hockey stadium in Sector 42, Chandigarh, was a reflection of the state’s focus on advancing its athletes on both national and global stages. Minister Sond took the opportunity to praise Punjab’s Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, for his unwavering commitment to the upliftment of sports and the welfare of sportspeople. According to Sond, Mann’s administration has prioritized not only infrastructure and policy development but also direct support for athletes through job opportunities and financial incentives. The result is a state that is steadily emerging as a powerhouse in Indian sports, particularly in hockey, the nation’s beloved sport.

A notable achievement in this effort was the recent distribution of job letters to 11 athletes from Punjab who were appointed to prestigious positions such as PCS (Punjab Civil Service) and DSP (Deputy Superintendent of Police). Many of these players had earned accolades in recent international events, including a gold medal in the Asian Champions Trophy and a bronze medal in the Olympics. These appointments underscore the government’s commitment to rewarding athletic excellence and ensuring financial security for those who bring glory to the state.

In 2023, Punjab introduced a new sports policy aimed at revolutionizing its approach to athlete development. Minister Sond noted that this policy is already yielding positive results, as state athletes receive both cash incentives for training and prize money for winning medals. He emphasized that this dual approach ensures that athletes have the resources they need to compete at the highest levels while also being rewarded for their successes.

In a grand ceremony, the Punjab government recently awarded Rs. 12.50 crore to 19 athletes from the state who are preparing for the Paris Olympics. Among them, 10 were members of the Indian hockey team that won a bronze medal, further highlighting Punjab’s significant contribution to the nation’s success in this sport.

Beyond individual achievements, the state government has also honored its athletes who shone in the 2022 Asian Games. A total of 32 Punjabi sportsmen, who won medals in the competition, were recognized with cash prizes amounting to Rs. 29.25 crore. Additionally, 136 athletes from Punjab who secured medals in the National Games were awarded Rs. 4.58 crore in prize money. Over the last two and a half years, the Mann-led administration has distributed a staggering Rs. 88 crore in prize money to state athletes. This significant investment in its players demonstrates Punjab’s ongoing commitment to developing world-class athletes.

One of the flagship initiatives of the Punjab government is the annual sports event ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan,’ designed to identify and nurture talent at the grassroots level. The third season of this initiative is currently underway, with participation growing each year. In the previous season, nearly 4.5 lakh players took part, with Rs. 8.69 crore transferred online to approximately 11,000 winners. This initiative provides a platform for boys and girls from all districts of Punjab to showcase their talent, encouraging them to pursue sports professionally and develop into national and international competitors.

As Punjab continues its journey to establish itself as a leader in sports, the initiatives taken by the state government provide a blueprint for others to follow. With sustained investment in infrastructure, athlete development, and community engagement, Punjab is poised to not only create champions but also inspire the nation with its sporting success.

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