Bhagwant Mann-led Government Emphasizes Its Concentration On Building Sports Infrastructure In PunjabWith new playgrounds and athletic grounds being built for youths, the government hopes to inspire young people in the region to play sports and eventually become champions for their state and the nation.
Punjab Government Invests In Sports Development
As part of its efforts to develop more advanced sports infrastructure within the state, the Punjab government has launched an innovative scheme to construct modern sports playgrounds and training grounds in Punjab. In a recent video posted by AAP Punjab, a number of football grounds, running tracks, open sports arenas, and other advanced facilities were shown. The purpose behind launching this program is to foster a culture of athletics among the younger generation in Punjab.
The video highlights several upgraded sports facilities, including:
Large football grounds
Modern running tracks
Open training spaces
Green sports campuses
Boundary walls featuring sports-themed artwork
Improved outdoor athletic infrastructure
Youth Encouraged To Become Future Champions
The campaign strongly focuses on motivating Punjab’s youth to use these facilities for skill development and fitness. Officials have repeatedly stated that sports can play an important role in shaping discipline, confidence, and healthier lifestyles among youngsters. The government’s sports-focused approach is being presented as an investment in Punjab’s future generation and an effort to revive the state’s strong sporting legacy.
Sports Infrastructure Investment Gains Attention
The sports infrastructure push has attracted attention online, with many users praising the development of playgrounds and athletic spaces. Supporters believe that better infrastructure can encourage more children and teenagers to move towards sports instead of unhealthy habits.
Punjab’s Push Towards A Stronger Sports Ecosystem
Experts believe that sports infrastructure development at the grassroots level is essential for discovering and nurturing talent. Punjab has historically produced several successful athletes in sports like hockey, wrestling, athletics, kabaddi, and cricket.
CM Yogi Adityanath: Yogi Adityanath reviewed the electricity supply system in Uttar Pradesh during a high-level meeting with energy department officials. The government stressed uninterrupted power supply for all consumers across the state.
High-Level Review Meeting Held
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a meeting with officials from the Energy Department, Power Corporation, and DISCOMs to assess the current electricity supply situation across Uttar Pradesh.
आमजन, किसान, व्यापारी और उद्योगों सहित प्रदेश के प्रत्येक उपभोक्ता को निर्बाध विद्युत आपूर्ति उपलब्ध कराना @UPGovt की सर्वोच्च प्राथमिकता है।
आज ऊर्जा विभाग, पावर कॉरपोरेशन एवं डिस्कॉम के अधिकारियों के साथ विद्युत आपूर्ति व्यवस्था की समीक्षा की।
The government said uninterrupted electricity for citizens, farmers, traders, and industries remains a top priority. Officials were instructed to ensure smooth power supply in both urban and rural areas.
Officials Asked To Work Responsibly
The Chief Minister directed officials to work with full accountability, sensitivity, and quick response while handling electricity-related complaints and local power issues.
Power Infrastructure Monitoring Intensified
The Uttar Pradesh government has increased monitoring of the electricity infrastructure to ensure a stable power supply during peak demand periods. Officials were asked to regularly inspect transformers, substations, and local distribution systems to prevent unexpected outages.
Special Focus On Rural And Urban Areas
The administration said equal attention is being given to villages, towns, and cities across the state. Authorities have been instructed to ensure that both rural consumers and urban residents receive uninterrupted electricity services without major disruptions.
Government Highlights Development Focus
The Uttar Pradesh government stated that reliable electricity is important for improving public services, business activities, agriculture, and overall development across the state.
Efforts To Improve Public Services Continue
CM Yogi Adityanath: The Uttar Pradesh government stated that strengthening public infrastructure and improving essential services remain important priorities. The administration said continuous monitoring and better coordination among departments will help improve electricity management across the state.
Reaffirming CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government’s commitment to farmers, Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond today said that the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure 8 hours uninterrupted power supply during the upcoming paddy transplantation season.
Power Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond stayed, “The 8 hour power supply will be ensured as per the paddy transplantation schedule released by the CM Bhagwant Mann led Punjab government for various districts. From June 1, the schedule will apply to Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Rupnagar, SAS Nagar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Hoshiarpur. From June 5, it will cover Faridkot, Bathinda, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka. From June 9, the districts include Ludhiana, Malerkotla, Mansa, Moga, Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, Kapurthala, Jalandhar and SBS Nagar.”
He added, “The State Government has accorded top priority to the agriculture sector and all necessary preparations have been completed to facilitate farmers during the paddy season.”
Tarunpreet Singh Sond informed, “As per the directions of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, PSPCL will ensure availability of electricity for more than eight hours daily to every AP motor connection in the state so that farmers can undertake paddy transplantation smoothly and without inconvenience.”
He said, “Punjab’s hardworking farmers play a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s food security and the state government is duty bound to provide them every possible support during the crucial farming season.”
The minister further stated, “Dedicated teams of PSPCL officials and technical staff have been deployed across the state for continuous monitoring of the power distribution system. Special instructions have been issued to field officers to remain available round the clock and ensure immediate redressal of faults, transformer issues and other technical disruptions on priority basis.”
He added, “Control rooms and complaint handling mechanisms have also been strengthened to ensure prompt response to farmers’ grievances during the transplantation period.”
Tarunpreet Singh Sond further said, “PSPCL has already completed necessary maintenance works of transmission lines, transformers and other power infrastructure in advance to avoid disruptions during peak demand season.”
The Power Minister asserted, “The Punjab Government is continuously working to strengthen the power infrastructure in the state and reliable electricity supply to all sectors, especially agriculture, remains one of the key priorities of the Bhagwant Mann Government.”
Appealing to farmers to use electricity judiciously and follow the schedule issued by PSPCL, he assured, “The state government will not leave any stone unturned in safeguarding the interests of the farming community and ensuring a seamless and successful paddy season across Punjab.”
Anurag Dhanda: Prices of petrol and diesel fuel in Delhi have broken the psychological barrier of ₹100 once again, resulting in heated discussions among politicians and creating worries among citizens.
Petrol And Diesel Fuel Prices Continue Rising In Delhi
Fuel prices have recently become an important topic again because the prices of petrol and diesel in Delhi have reportedly risen up to new heights. Price of petrol has reportedly crossed ₹102 per litre, whereas a substantial increase has been reported in the price of diesel as well. Over the past several days, fuel prices have reportedly been increasing several times. It seems like the rising prices of fuel have created concerns for middle class people, workers, transporters, traders, farmers, and small businesses that depend on fuel usage to earn their livelihoods.
मोदी सरकार जनता को तिल तिल मार रही है, एक झटके में नहीं।
पिछले 10 दिन में मोदी सरकार ने पैट्रोल और डीजल की क़ीमत 7.50 रुपये बढ़ा दी है।
दिल्ली में आज पैट्रोल सौ के पार हो गया।पैट्रोल 102.12 रुपये और डीजल 95.20 रुपये।
Anurag Dhanda Criticises Government Over Fuel Hikes
Reacting strongly to the situation, Anurag Dhanda termed the repeated increase in fuel prices as “economic pressure politics.” He claimed that the government is burdening citizens through gradual and repeated hikes instead of a one-time increase. According to him, every new revision in petrol and diesel prices slowly impacts common people, especially salaried employees and low-income families.
How Rising Fuel Prices Affect Daily Life
Fuel prices play a major role in the country’s economy because transportation is connected to almost every industry. When petrol and diesel prices rise, transportation costs increase, which can eventually make vegetables, groceries, food items, and other daily essentials more expensive.
Experts believe that continuous fuel price hikes can also affect:
Public transportation fares
Delivery and logistics costs
Agricultural expenses
Business operating costs
Household monthly budgets
Political Debate Intensifies
The fuel price issue has once again intensified political debate across the country. Opposition leaders have accused the government of failing to provide relief to citizens struggling with rising living costs.
Viral Video: An alarming video clip taken from a Maruti Suzuki show room located in Nehru Nagar, Bhilai, is circulating on social media platforms. The alleged accusation being made by a woman employee against her showroom CEO, which involves sexual harassment, is making rounds on social media platforms.
What Happened?
According to reports, the woman employee threw ink at the CEO inside the showroom and physically attacked him by slapping and kicking him during the heated argument. The entire incident was reportedly witnessed by police personnel present at the spot. The video quickly spread online, sparking debate across social media platforms. Reports also suggest that several female employees have filed complaints against the CEO. Police are currently investigating the matter.
भिलाई के नेहरू नगर स्थित Maruti Suzuki शोरूम में उस वक्त हंगामा मच गया,जब महिला
कर्मचारी ने CEO पर छेड़छाड़ का आरोप लगाते हुए स्याही फेंक दी। गुस्साई कर्मचारी ने
पुलिस के सामने ही CEO को थप्पड़ और लात भी मारी। घटना का वीडियो सोशल मीडिया पर
Workplace Safety Concerns Rise After Viral Incident
The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding workplace safety and the importance of proper mechanisms for handling harassment complaints in corporate environments. Many people online demanded a fair investigation and stronger protection for women employees.
People’s Opinion
Viral Video: The viral incident has received mixed reactions from people online. While many users supported the woman employee and demanded strict action if the harassment allegations are proven true, others said physical violence should not be encouraged. Several netizens also highlighted the need for safer workplaces and proper systems to handle employee complaints fairly and quickly.
Note: This Article has been done on the information provided in this viral video/ post. DNP India doesn’t endorse, subscribe or verify the claims.
Viral Video:One moment, serene Alpine silence. The next was a distant engine roar, a white aircraft filling the frame, and a canopy in tatters. A routine weekend flight over the picturesque Schmittenhöhe ski area in Piesendorf, Austria, turned into a scene of near-tragedy when a 44-year-old paraglider pilot, recording her flight with an action camera, found herself in the path of a small, single-engine aircraft.
The woman, identified on social media only as Sabrina, shared the clip from May 23, and it has since exploded across platforms worldwide. It’s not hard to see why.
The Moment of Impact
The video shows her gliding serenely alongside a stunning Alpine ridgeline when the distant buzz of an engine can be heard. A small white aircraft suddenly enters the frame and tears through the canopy just feet above her head.
The shocking footage went viral because the aircraft appeared to miss Sabrina by only a few feet while cutting through the equipment keeping her airborne. The first-person footage captured her screaming as she struggled to stabilise herself.
🇦🇹 A paraglider collided midair with a Cessna 172 over Austria and somehow survived.
She deployed her emergency parachute seconds after impact and landed safely.
Then, with terrifying speed, the situation turned into a freefall. The collision fouled the paraglider canopy, which remained attached to the pilot’s harness and spun her into an uncontrolled descent. With the ground rushing up and seconds to act, Sabrina made the decision that saved her life. She calmly reached for the handle of her emergency parachute. The reserve chute deployed without issue and slowed her descent.
The Survival Landing
The video footage reveals the frantic final seconds of the descent, showing the pilot bracing for impact and manoeuvring toward a tree line to cushion her fall. According to reports, she managed to land with only minor injuries, despite the catastrophic nature of the accident, and was later assessed by first responders. Austrian police confirmed both she and the pilot escaped serious injury. Sabrina later posted to Instagram: “Can’t believe I’m sitting here.”
Note: This Article has been done on the information provided in this viral video/ post. DNP India doesn’t endorse, subscribe or verify the claims.
US Iran War: US-Iran War Update: The two sides have developed a memorandum of understanding that would extend the ceasefire for 60 days, demine and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lay the ground for a permanent end to the war. Trump declared it “largely negotiated” and said an announcement was coming soon.
What Each Side Gets
Iran would be able to freely sell oil and negotiate over its nuclear program. The US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and gradually release billions of dollars in Iranian funds frozen around the world.
The Uranium Problem
This is where the deal could unravel. Washington’s demands remain firm: no nuclear weapon, Hormuz open without tolls, enriched uranium handed over. Rubio warned the problem “will be solved one way or the other.” But Tehran flatly denied agreeing to surrender its uranium stockpile, insisting nuclear issues were not part of any preliminary agreement.
Pakistan in the Middle
Field Marshal Asim Munir has been the primary mediator, travelling to Tehran to push the deal across the line, while Trump held a call with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and the UAE — all of whom backed the framework.
The Stakes
A fragile ceasefire has held since April 8, but skirmishes continue. Gulf states have called it the worst global energy crisis in decades, with soaring oil prices feeding US inflation. Officials say nothing will be signed immediately — the Iranian system, one senior US official noted, does not move fast enough.
The 60-day clock hasn’t started. But the pressure is already at full force.
Twisha Sharma: The family of Twisha Sharma has approached the Supreme Court alleging that delays in official procedures deeply affected their religious sentiments and prevented them from properly observing the traditional 13-day mourning rituals after her death. The matter is scheduled to be taken up by the Supreme Court today, drawing widespread public attention. According to the family, the delay in handing over necessary permissions and completing formalities disrupted important last rites and sacred customs that are considered highly significant in their religious beliefs.
Family Raises Concerns Over Religious Rights
The family has argued that the delay not only caused emotional pain but also hurt their constitutional right to practice religious customs freely. They stated that the 13-day mourning period holds deep spiritual importance in their tradition, and any interruption to these rituals is considered extremely distressing for grieving relatives.
Supreme Court To Hear Matter Today
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter today, and legal experts believe the hearing could focus on balancing administrative procedures with the protection of religious sentiments and family rights.The case has generated strong reactions on social media, with many people expressing sympathy for the family and demanding greater sensitivity in handling such situations.
Public Attention Grows Around The Case
Twisha Sharma: As the hearing approaches, the case continues to attract national attention due to its emotional and religious aspects. Many are now waiting to see what observations the Supreme Court may make regarding delays, religious freedom, and the dignity of grieving families.
Hardik Pandya: The controversy over the leadership of the Mumbai Indians team is heating up again after a powerful statement by former cricketer and current coach Kieron Pollard concerning Hardik Pandya as captain of the team. The new statement by Pollard has again brought up questions for cricketing fanatics and fans about the future leadership of MI. While talking about the leadership of the captain of the team, Pollard revealed that the team management “did everything” in order to help the captain amid difficulties last year.
Statement of Kieron Pollard Raising Debates
It can be noted that the coach of the team made a public statement admitting that the club had provided all opportunities and full assistance to the skipper despite poor results. Such an admission is considered significant because it indirectly indicates that MI team leaders are perhaps not fully satisfied with the results achieved by the captain.
Hardik Pandya Under Pressure
Ever since taking over leadership responsibilities, Hardik Pandya has remained under intense scrutiny from fans and analysts. Mumbai Indians faced criticism throughout the season due to inconsistent performances, dressing room speculation, and leadership-related controversies.While Hardik continued to receive support from the team management publicly, Pollard’s latest comments suggest that internal discussions regarding leadership may now be getting serious.
Fans Divided Over MI Captaincy Debate
Hardik Pandya: The statement has divided the MI fanbase. Some supporters believe Hardik deserves more time to rebuild the team, while others feel the franchise should return to a more stable leadership model.
Chand Mera Dil Box Office Collection Day 3: Chand Mera Dil is showing encouraging signs at the box office as the romantic drama starring Ananya Panday and Lakshya witnessed healthy growth on Day 3. After a decent start, the film managed to attract more audiences over the weekend, giving hope to the makers.
Day 3 Collection Registers Solid Growth
On Day 3, Chand Mera Dil collected ₹4.35 crore net across 4,722 shows in India. The film recorded an impressive 16% growth compared to Day 2’s ₹3.75 crore net collection, indicating improving word-of-mouth and increasing audience interest.The romantic entertainer seems to be benefiting from weekend footfalls, especially among younger moviegoers and fans of emotional love stories.
India Collections Cross ₹13 Crore Gross
With the latest numbers added, the film’s total India gross collection has now reached ₹13.23 crore, while the India net collection stands at ₹11.10 crore so far.Trade analysts believe the steady rise in collections is a positive sign, especially for a romance-driven film competing in a crowded box office environment.
Overseas Performance Adds To Momentum
Internationally, Chand Mera Dil collected ₹0.50 crore gross on Day 3, taking the film’s total overseas gross collection to ₹1.50 crore.The overseas numbers, combined with domestic growth, have pushed the worldwide gross collection to ₹14.73 crore within just three days of release.
Ananya Panday And Lakshya Earn Appreciation
Chand Mera Dil Box Office Collection Day 3: Fans are appreciating the fresh pairing of Ananya Panday and Lakshya, with social media reactions praising their chemistry and emotional performances. The film’s music, visuals, and romantic storytelling are also helping it connect with audiences. If the movie manages to hold steady during weekdays, Chand Mera Dil could continue building momentum at the box office in the coming days.
Drishyam 3 Box Office Collection Day 4: The record-breaking box office wave created by Drishyam 3 is gaining strength, as the film scored yet another victory on its fourth day.
Box Office Collection On Day 4 Is Showing Growth
Drishyam 3 grossed ₹13.95 crore net on Day 4 in India from 5,270 shows. It is noteworthy that Drishyam 3 showed some growth, having gained 1.8% more than the previous day when it earned ₹13.70 crore net. This shows that the audience still has great interest in the film even after the first week.
India Box Office Collections Are Rising
Having accounted for Day 4 collections, India’s net collections of the film amount to ₹54.55 crore and ₹63.34 crore, respectively. The Malayalam thriller is experiencing packed shows in many cities.
Overseas Market Gives Massive Boost
The overseas response to Drishyam 3 has been equally phenomenal. On Day 4 alone, the film earned ₹13 crore gross internationally, taking its total overseas gross collection to a massive ₹78 crore. Strong performance in Gulf countries, North America, and other international markets is helping the film dominate globally.
Worldwide Collection Crosses Huge Milestone
Thanks to its strong domestic and overseas performance, the worldwide gross collection of Drishyam 3 has now reached an impressive ₹141.34 crore in just four days.
Audience Response Remains Exceptional
Fans have praised the film for its gripping screenplay, suspense-filled storytelling, and powerful performances. The emotional depth and unexpected twists have once again made the Drishyam franchise a major talking point among movie lovers.mWith collections growing steadily, Drishyam 3 is proving to be one of the biggest Malayalam box office successes of the year.
India has witnessed another fuel price hike as petrol and diesel rates were increased for the fourth time in just 10 days, despite a fall in international crude oil prices.
Rise in Fuel Prices Despite a Fall in Crude Oil Prices
Although there are indications that international crude oil prices will ease out, there have been increases in petrol and diesel prices in India for the fourth time within 10 days. This fuel price hike has left people shocked and alarmed since they expect that it will impact various areas like the cost of transport, budget allocation at home, and even the prices of basic necessities.
Reasons for Fuel Price Increases in India
One of the main concerns of customers is how fuel prices keep increasing amid a fall in crude oil prices. Analysts opine that various domestic issues play a significant role in driving the recent fuel price increase in India.
The General Public Feels the Heat
The constant rise in petrol and diesel prices has imposed an additional economic burden on middle-class families and regular commuters. Higher fare rates from the transport operators, logistics, and deliveries might be impacted due to increased fuel prices. Citizens are worried that if the current trend persists, there will be an increase in inflation figures in the coming weeks.
Rise in Cost of Transportation and Other Essentials
As fuel prices go up, the cost of transportation also rises. As diesel prices increase, the cost of transporting goods from one point to another goes up. Eventually, vegetables, dairy products, food items, and other necessities will become dearer.
Government and Companies Are Keeping Their Eyes Open
As the global crude oil prices have been swinging, the government and oil-producing companies are keeping their eyes open. The consumers are now anticipating some stability in fuel prices to prevent further burden.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday unveiled one of the biggest sports promotion drives in Punjab’s history, honouring 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardees and 1,070 medal-winning athletes with prize money worth ₹32.05 crore while announcing a sweeping expansion of the state’s sports ecosystem from villages to international arenas. Positioning Punjab as an emerging sports powerhouse, The Chief Minister the Punjab Government has not only honoured Olympic and Asian Games medallists with ₹1 crore each and provided jobs to nine players, but has also, for the first time, extended direct financial assistance worth ₹8.61 crore to 220 players for tournament preparation.
Making a decisive shift from token recognition to structural investment in sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced a record sports budget of ₹1,763 crore for 2026-27 and the development of 3,148 rural sports grounds at a cost of ₹1,300 crore to nurture talent at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister further declared that Punjab will host the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, with the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash set to be played on Punjab Day. Taking a dig at previous regimes, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab, despite producing countless champions for the country, was never earlier given the opportunity to host a major sporting event, while sports associations remained dominated by politically connected individuals instead of genuine players.
Addressing a grand felicitation ceremony, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the day marked a historic moment for Punjab as 87 players were conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award while 1,070 medal-winning sportspersons from different disciplines were also honoured. “For the first time in Punjab’s history, the government has distributed prize money worth ₹32.05 crore among players through cheques. The Punjab Government has not only honoured Olympic and Asian Games medalists with ₹1 crore each but has also provided jobs to nine medal-winning players,” he added.
The Chief Minister noted, “The players of Punjab have brought immense pride to the country and the state through their achievements on international platforms. It is our responsibility to stand firmly with them and ensure they receive the respect, recognition, and support they deserve.”
Highlighting the Punjab Government’s sports vision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for the first time, 220 players in Punjab were granted ₹8.61 crore to prepare for tournaments. “The Punjab Government has allocated a record sports budget of ₹1,763 crore for the financial year 2026-27 to strengthen sports infrastructure and athlete development across the state. To nurture talented players in villages, 3,148 rural sports grounds are being developed at a cost of ₹1,300 crore. These grounds will become guiding lights for emerging players from rural Punjab,” he added.
The Chief Minister said Punjab will host the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, calling it a proud moment for the state’s sporting legacy. He further announced that the much-anticipated India-Pakistan match during the tournament will be held on Punjab Day. “Punjab has given countless medals and champions to the nation, yet earlier governments never ensured that the state got the opportunity to host major international sporting events. We have changed that mindset and brought Punjab to the centre of India’s sporting map,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
Taking a dig at the earlier system, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said sports associations in Punjab were previously dominated by politically connected individuals, but the Punjab Government has ended that trend and opened doors for ordinary players based on merit.
In a major push towards transforming Punjab into a sporting powerhouse, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government has successfully cleared a decade-long backlog of pending honours from 2018 to 2023 by conferring Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awards and distributing large-scale cash rewards to elite international and national athletes.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab Government has also shifted away from the old practice of rewarding players only after victories. He stated that now athletes are being financially supported before tournaments to help them prepare and compete at the highest level. “To support our players, the Punjab Government has directly disbursed more than ₹15 crore through a newly launched sports portal for training and procurement of high-end sports equipment. The portal also includes customised grants for disciplines such as fencing, kayaking, shooting, and archery, and will help connect players with corporate sponsors,” he said.
Among the top honourees, Indian Women’s Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and all-rounder Amanjot Kaur received ₹1.50 crore each following their historic international cricket victories. In shooting, world championship medalists Amanpreet Singh and Neeraj Kumar were awarded ₹1.54 crore and ₹1.52 crore respectively, while Kirandeep Kaur and Kritika Sharma received ₹50 lakh each.
Rising shooter Vijayveer Sidhu was honoured with ₹28.50 lakh, Wushu player Kushal Kumar received ₹25 lakh, while para-powerlifting world champion Paramjit Kumar was awarded ₹55 lakh for his remarkable international achievements.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awards were distributed across multiple yearly cycles to recognise consistent excellence in sports. He stated that the 2018-19 awardees included hockey player Ramandeep Singh, judoka Kiranjit Singh, kabaddi player Harwinder Kaur, rower Jaspreet Singh, shooter Angad Veer Singh Bajwa, weightlifter Pradeep Singh, wrestler Harpreet Singh, and swimmer Chahat Arora.
He further said that the 2020 cycle honoured Sangampreet Singh Bisla in archery, Twinkle Choudhary in athletics, Veerpal in baseball, Amritpal Singh in basketball, Avtar Singh in kayaking and canoeing, Amarjit Singh in cycling, Ina Arora in fencing, and Harjinder Singh in handball.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann added that the 2021 cycle recognised archery champion Sukhbeer Singh, athlete Kirpal Singh, baseball player Amanjit Kaur Bains, kayaker Priyanka Devi, cyclist Naman Kapil, fencer Udeveer Singh, and handball player Mandeep Kaur.
The Chief Minister said a special category was dedicated to elite Arjuna Awardees and Olympic hockey stars, many of whom are serving in prestigious public service positions in Punjab. He said the honoured group included Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh along with Olympic medalists Gurjant Singh and Rupinder Pal Singh, both serving as PCS officers.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also honoured Olympic hockey stars Mandeep Singh, Hardik Singh, Varun Kumar, Shamsher Singh, goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, and Dilpreet Singh, who serves as a DSP in Punjab Police.
The event also celebrated Simranjit Kaur Baath, recognised as the first female boxer from Punjab to represent India at the Olympics. Punjab’s para-athletes were also honoured for overcoming immense physical challenges and bringing global recognition to the nation.
Prominent para-athletes honoured during the event included Asian Games gold medalist Mohammad Yaser, swimmer Vaibhav Rajoria, wrestler Surender Kamboj, para-badminton player Palak Kohli, and para-powerlifter Paramjit Kumar.
During the ceremony, mothers and family members of athletes who could not attend due to training commitments were also invited on stage to receive honours. Among them were the mother of Asian Games medalist Harmilan Bains and Arjuna Awardee Madhuri Saxena.
“The sacrifices made by parents form the backbone of every sporting success. Their dedication, discipline, and unwavering support shape champions,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said while expressing gratitude to the families of athletes.
The Chief Minister further said that the Punjab Government has expanded the sports budget seventeen-fold and has conferred Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awards upon 87 distinguished players from 2019 to 2023.
“Today is a historic day for Punjab and the world of sports because the players who have brought honour to their parents, Punjab, and the country across the world are being felicitated. Every awardee has received ₹5 lakh along with a blazer, scroll, and commemorative emblem of Maharaja Ranjit Singh mounted on horseback,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, adding that ₹4.35 crore has been distributed among the 87 awardees.
Recalling Punjab’s extraordinary contribution to Indian sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the state has produced several national captains including Indian Hockey Team Captain Harmanpreet Singh, Indian Men’s Cricket Team Captain Shubman Gill, Indian Women’s Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and Indian Basketball Team Captain Palpreet Singh Brar.
He further noted that Gurpreet Singh Sandhu captained the Indian Football Team last year and Punjabi cricketer Gurnoor Brar was recently selected for the Indian Cricket Team.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said the Punjab Government had honoured the bronze medal-winning hockey players of the Paris Olympics with ₹1 crore each, while Asian Games gold medalists were also given ₹1 crore each.
He added that nine Olympic medal-winning players have been appointed as PCS and DSP officers, while since 2022, the Punjab Government has distributed ₹106.20 crore in prize money among players and para-athletes who excelled at national and international competitions.
The Chief Minister said that since 2023, ₹8.61 crore has been provided to 220 international players for preparation purposes, while sports institutions have been granted ₹15 crore through DBT for the purchase of sports equipment.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that 17,000 sports kits are being distributed and gym equipment is being installed in 6,000 villages across Punjab.
The Chief Minister said diet allowance for players at the Punjab State Institute of Sports has been increased from ₹248 to ₹480 per day, while the allowance at District Centres of Excellence has been raised from ₹225 to ₹350 per day.
Highlighting Punjab’s unmatched hockey legacy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said more than 50 Punjabi hockey players have won Olympic medals, while ten Punjabi players have captained the Indian hockey team at different Olympic Games. “Villages such as Sansarpur, Khusropur, and Mithapur have illuminated Punjab’s name in world hockey by producing more than 20 Olympians,” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said.
The Chief Minister recalled that India won an Olympic hockey bronze medal at Tokyo 2021 after a gap of 41 years, with nine Punjabi players in the squad led by Manpreet Singh. He added that India again secured bronze at the Paris Olympics 2024 with ten Punjabi players in the team, captained by Harmanpreet Singh, who also emerged as the tournament’s top scorer.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further announced that the Punjab Government has created a new “Outstanding Sportsperson” cadre to provide employment opportunities to players. He said 500 posts have been created across different sports disciplines, while 45 junior coaches and three coaches have already been recruited on a regular basis.
He added that Punjab has become the first state in the country to establish a separate Sports Medicine cadre for sports science. Recruitment for 112 posts across different categories has already been completed, while recruitment for 206 physical trainer posts is underway.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also stated that under the grassroots Talent Search Programme, 253 sports nurseries have been established with 253 nursery coaches and 26 sports supervisors to nurture young talent across Punjab.
Bhagwant Mann Govt shifts focus from post-victory rewards to athlete preparation
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the Punjab Government has moved away from the old model of rewarding players only after victories and has instead started financially supporting athletes before major tournaments. More than ₹15 crore has already been disbursed directly through a newly launched sports portal to help players prepare for competitions and procure high-end equipment. The portal includes customised grants for disciplines such as shooting, fencing, kayaking and archery, while also helping athletes connect with corporate sponsors for long-term support.
Bhagwant Mann Govt building world-class sports infrastructure from villages to international arenas
A record sports budget of ₹1,763 crore has been allocated for 2026-27. 3,148 rural sports grounds are being developed at a cost of ₹1,300 crore to nurture sporting talent in villages. The Chief Minister further announced that gym equipment is being installed in 6,000 villages, 17,000 sports kits are being distributed, and a new “Outstanding Sportsperson” cadre has been created to provide employment opportunities to athletes across Punjab.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister virtually laid the foundation stone of the Yuva Bhawan to be constructed at Sector 42, Chandigarh, at a cost of Rs 43.66 crore. This hostel will be constructed by the Department of Youth Services and will offer hostel accommodation for 200 youths, a 400-seat auditorium, conference hall, seminar hall, mess, and other modern facilities. Similarly, Bhagwant Singh Mann also launched the specially designed Punjab Sports Portal for players thereby fulfilling the long pending demand of the athletes. Through this portal, players from any corner of the country or abroad will be able to access information pertaining to sports and avail themselves of various facilities and services meant for them.
Bhagwant Mann: After the latest controversy regarding the NEET exam process and difficulties faced by students, the state of Haryana seems to be planning to take a new step forward for helping aspiring medical candidates. The plan will involve offering free transportation to students who are repeating the NEET exam.
Punjab’s Student-Friendly Approach
This measure has been proposed by drawing inspiration from the people-centric policies introduced by the government of Punjab, headed by CM Bhagwant Mann. His government has attracted much attention for its student-friendly policies.Punjab’s government policy has become increasingly popular in many other states as an example of how to minimize education disparity, particularly among students belonging to rural and poor economic backgrounds.
Haryana’s Proposal for Free Travel to NEET Aspirants
As per sources, Haryana is reportedly considering the proposal to offer free or subsidized travel facilities to the NEET aspirants, especially those taking the test for the second time.This program would aid students in managing their travel expenses, which are usually high for candidates residing far away from the exam centers. This is because the objective of this scheme is to provide assistance that should not become an impediment while appearing in the highly competitive NEET exam.
Emphasis on Alleviating Students’ Stress
Educators suggest that preparing for such competitive exams is always very demanding, and travel expenses may impose a further burden. Thus, a free travel service would prove immensely helpful to aspirants from remote areas where people rely heavily on public means of transport.
Wider Push for Equal Access in Competitive Exams
The proposed initiative reflects a growing focus on making competitive exams like NEET more accessible for all students, regardless of their financial background or geographical location. By easing travel-related challenges, the policy aims to support equal opportunity and reduce disparities faced by aspirants across different regions.
Bhagwant Mann government has launched a major urban infrastructure initiative to replace overhead electricity wires with underground cable systems across cities in Punjab. The move aims to improve public safety, reduce electrical hazards, and enhance the overall look of urban areas.
Urban Transformation Through Underground Wiring
The government is working on shifting existing overhead power lines to underground systems in a phased manner. This step is expected to reduce risks such as wire-related accidents, short circuits, and weather-related disruptions, while also improving the visual appeal of city streets.
Officials stated that underground wiring will significantly improve public safety by eliminating hanging wires and reducing exposure to electrical hazards. It is also aligned with the state’s broader goal of building modern and smart urban infrastructure.
Improving City Aesthetics And Clean Look
One of the key objectives of this project is to make cities cleaner and more organized in appearance. Removing overhead wires will help declutter streets, making urban areas more visually appealing and better planned.
Long-Term Development Vision
Bhagwant Mann emphasized that the initiative is part of a long-term development strategy focused on sustainable infrastructure, safety, and modernization of Punjab’s cities.
Better Reliability Of Power Supply
Underground systems are also expected to improve electricity reliability by reducing power outages caused by storms, wind, or falling trees, ensuring smoother service for residents.
Reduction In Accidents And Hazards
Bhagwant Mann: One of the major expected benefits of the project is a significant reduction in accidents caused by exposed electrical wires. By moving cables underground, the risk of electrocution, fire incidents, and storm-related damage is expected to decrease substantially.
