Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda has drawn a comparison between the sports policies of Haryana and Punjab, highlighting what he described as a stark difference in government priorities toward sports development in the two states.
Sports Policy Debate
In a post on social media, Dhanda claimed that Haryana’s sports budget constitutes only 0.98 per cent of the state’s total budget. He alleged that many players in the state are struggling due to inadequate sports infrastructure and lack of proper facilities.
Anurag Dhanda Compares Haryana and Punjab Sports Infrastructure
Dhanda further said that, in contrast, the Punjab government is planning to build around 13,000 new stadiums and sports grounds across the state. According to him, the initiative aims to provide athletes with world-class infrastructure and better facilities to train and compete at national and international levels.
He argued that improved sports infrastructure can play a key role in encouraging young talent and strengthening the sports ecosystem. Dhanda also suggested that the availability of modern stadiums and training facilities would help athletes perform better and represent their states and the country on global platforms.
Dhanda also emphasized that accessible sports facilities at the village and district levels can help identify talent at an early stage. He said that when young players are given proper grounds, coaching support, and opportunities, they are more likely to pursue sports professionally and bring laurels to the state.
He further claimed that the Punjab government is focusing on building a strong grassroots sports system by developing local playgrounds and stadiums, which could help promote fitness, discipline, and participation among the youth.
The remarks come amid ongoing political debates over development policies in northern states, with sports infrastructure and athlete support emerging as key talking points between political parties.
