Kaljharani (Bathinda), October 9
In a transformative step to foster a sports culture and combat drug addiction, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal launched a landmark ₹1,194 crore project to construct over 3,100 ultra-modern stadiums across the state. This ambitious initiative aims to channel youth energy positively, strengthen the “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, and position Punjab as a national leader in sports.
Key Highlights
-
Investment: ₹1,194 crore to develop 3,100+ modern stadiums.
-
Objective: Promote sports, curb drug addiction, and foster community unity.
-
Campaign Synergy: Enhances “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” and “Rangla Punjab” initiatives.
-
Timeline: First phase targets villages with larger populations, with stadiums ranging from 0.5 to 4 acres.
Launch Event
Addressing a large gathering in Kaljharani, Kejriwal emphasized the project’s role in harnessing youth potential. “These 3,100 playgrounds will promote physical and mental fitness, steering our youth away from drugs and toward winning medals on national and international stages,” he said. The stadiums will cater to sports like volleyball, football, cricket, and traditional games, with facilities for recreational activities for the elderly, making sports a way of life for all.
watch….Aman Arora Unveils Innovative Sports Facility Bus Stand in Cheema Mandi
Kejriwal highlighted the project’s community impact, stating, “These playgrounds will not only host sports but also become symbols of unity in villages.” He noted that the initiative complements Punjab’s new sports policy (introduced in 2023), which has increased the sports budget from ₹100 crore (pre-2022) to ₹1,000 crore. Key policy features include:
-
Cash Rewards and Jobs: Olympic participants receive ₹15 lakh for preparation; seven athletes appointed as DSPs, four as PCS officers (including nine hockey players, one cricketer, and one athlete).
-
Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan: Three successful seasons, with participation rising from 20,000-25,000 to 5 lakh athletes, and prompt cash prizes for winners.
On the drug menace, Kejriwal underscored the government’s relentless crackdown. “Previous governments patronized the drug trade, but we’ve used bulldozers to dismantle drug networks and even conducted encounters. A once-invincible political leader is now in jail, exposing the opposition’s unholy nexus,” he said, emphasizing zero tolerance for drug profiteers.
Chief Minister’s Address
Mann highlighted Punjab’s sporting legacy, noting that four national teams (including cricket’s Shubman Gill, hockey’s Harmanpreet Singh, and women’s cricket’s Harmanpreet Kaur) are led by Punjabis. He said, “Nine Punjabi players are in the national hockey team, reflecting our excellence. These modern stadiums will replace inadequate infrastructure, enabling three generations of families to play together in Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan.”
Mann outlined the state’s incentives:
-
Cash Awards: ₹1 crore for gold, ₹75 lakh for silver, and ₹50 lakh for bronze medalists in international events, disbursed immediately (unlike delays under past regimes).
-
Support for Athletes: ₹8 lakh for players preparing for international competitions; 300 coaches appointed to nurture talent.
-
Infrastructure: The state is tailoring facilities to regional sports strengths, ensuring expert coaching across disciplines.
Criticizing past governments, Mann slammed the Badal family for squandering funds on film stars and controlling sports associations for personal gain. He accused them of protecting drug lords, who even used official vehicles for trafficking. “We’ve arrested these ‘Jarnails’ who fueled the drug genocide. No leniency will be shown,” he vowed, noting that opposition cries of human rights violations exposed their complicity.
Vision for Punjab
Both leaders emphasized that sports are the most effective weapon against drugs. Mann stated, “Our land produces ace sportsmen. These stadiums will save our youth from drugs by channeling their energy positively.” The project aims to make Punjab a beacon of development, with world-class facilities for sports and education (e.g., Schools of Eminence).
Attendees
The event was attended by Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, AAP leader Manish Sisodia, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and other dignitaries.
