The Mann government is taking big steps to save Punjab’s youth from the quagmire of drugs. There was a time when the future of youth in villages seemed trapped in the grip of drugs, but now the government is creating an environment in Punjab where youth are preparing to make their identity through sports, not drugs. The Mann government of Punjab has decided to build sports stadiums in every village for the youth. The government is giving Punjab’s youth fields, direction, and most importantly, solid ground for freedom from drugs. The youth of the state are now preparing to soar in sports.
The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has allocated ₹979 crore for sports development in this budget. This is the largest allocation in the state’s history so far, which will boost the sports culture in the state. The Mann government now plans to build modern sports fields in about 13,000 villages of the state. Under this, rural stadiums will be fully renovated. Construction work has already started in 3,083 villages in the first phase. These sports stadiums will now become the new identity of the villages.
The government has taken many other big initiatives to promote sports, such as the new sports policy, ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ tournament, and establishment of sports nurseries. The objective of the New Sports Policy 2023 is to fairly select sports talents and provide them with the best facilities. Under this policy, talented players get equal opportunities to showcase their talent at state and national levels. ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ is an annual sports tournament started by the Mann government. In its third edition (2024), nearly 5 lakh athletes participated in 37 sports. Para-sports were also included in it. Along with this, the Mann government is establishing 1,000 sports nurseries, where world-class coaching, sports equipment, and facilities will be provided.
By lifting the ban on heritage sports, the government has also started traditional heritage sports like bullock cart races, dog races, and horse races. The aim is to revive the state’s cultural identity and connect the youth with their traditions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s promise to make Punjab a colorful Punjab is now being fulfilled. Along with basic facilities, law and order has also been strengthened in Punjab. Revolutionary steps have been taken in the field of education. Soon, ultra-modern stadiums will be ready in every village of Punjab.
The Punjab government will provide sports and gym facilities for every age group in cities and villages, so that Punjab will also become healthy. This is not just for sports, but a new beginning of life for youth struggling with drugs. The land of Punjab is going through the most decisive phase of change today. And the credit for this goes to the Aam Aadmi Party government of Punjab. There was a time when the future of youth in villages seemed trapped in the grip of drugs, but now the Bhagwant Mann government has created such an environment where the youth is preparing to make their identity through sports, not drugs. What the Aam Aadmi Party government has done is not limited to policies only, but will be visible in the form of sports stadiums in every village. This government is giving Punjab’s youth fields, direction, and most importantly, solid ground for freedom from drugs. The youth of the state are now preparing to soar in sports.
The land of Punjab has given the country the best players. The state has gained international fame in the field of hockey. Now, the Mann government is working through strategic efforts to re-establish the state’s lost glory in athletics. This step of the Mann government will promote the development of modern sports facilities, provide young players with better training environment and opportunities to achieve excellence.
