Mann Government Committed to Transform State’s Sports Ecosystem
Jalandhar, May 19
The 4-day Punjab State Sub-Junior Ranking Badminton Tournament commenced today at the prestigious Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in Jalandhar. The tournament is being organised under the aegis of the Punjab Badminton Association and will continue till May 22, 2026.
The championship was inaugurated by Chief Guest S. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA and President of the Punjab Badminton Association. Addressing the gathering, MLA Sukhanand said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is fully committed to transforming the sports ecosystem in the state. He emphasized that the government aims to steer the youth away from drugs by encouraging their participation in sports and other positive activities.
He highlighted that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, the sports budget has been significantly increased from Rs. 350 crore to Rs. 1,791 crore, reflecting the government’s strong commitment towards sports development. He also appreciated the Punjab Badminton Association for promoting badminton at the grassroots level across the state.
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Sharing details of the tournament, Punjab Badminton Association Honorary Secretary Ritin Khanna said that the event has received an overwhelming response, with more than 600 entries from nearly 400 players representing 23 districts of Punjab. Competitions are being held in 10 events across the Under-15 and Under-17 categories for boys and girls.
A total of 500 matches will be played during the four-day championship, while the finals are scheduled for May 22. Winners will be awarded cash prizes and other attractive rewards.
Khanna further informed that special arrangements for food and refreshments have been made for players and coaches to ensure their comfort throughout the tournament.
In a heartfelt tribute, the association also honoured the memory of Late Mayank Sharma and Sahib, two promising young badminton players who tragically lost their lives in separate road accidents. To honour their contribution and passion for badminton, two running trophies in the Under-15 and Under-17 categories have been instituted in their memory.
International badminton player from Jalandhar, Manya Ralhan, was also felicitated by the Chief Guest with a cash award of Rs. 31,000 for winning a bronze medal at the Saint Denis Open held in France.
Among others present on the occasion were DBA Treasurer Palwinder Juneja, Harpreet Singh, Jaswant Singh, Punjab Masih, Dhiraj Sharma, Sachin Ratti, Varun Kumar, and several prominent members of the badminton fraternity.
