- Ultra-modern gyms to be established at around 3,000 locations; government to distribute 17,000 sports kits worth ₹50 crore
- Punjab Government’s every initiative aimed at channelising youth energy positively and steering them away from drugs: CM
- Comprehensive sports portal to be launched; New Yuva Bhawan to be built at ₹43 crore
Chandigarh, December 25
In a high-level review meeting of the Sports and Youth Services Department on Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann issued time-bound directives to transform Punjab’s sports infrastructure, instructing officers to complete the construction of 3,100 stadiums across the state by June 2026 at a total cost of ₹1,350 crore.
The Chief Minister unveiled a comprehensive package that includes setting up ultra-modern gyms at nearly 3,000 locations, distributing 17,000 sports kits worth ₹50 crore, launching an all-in-one sports portal, and constructing a new Yuva Bhawan at a cost of ₹43 crore. He emphasised that the government’s core focus is to direct the boundless energy of Punjab’s youth towards productive and disciplined channels, while protecting them from the scourge of drugs.
Chairing the meeting, CM Mann said these stadiums are being built in villages under the New Sports Policy 2023. “₹1,350 crore will be spent on these stadiums, which will include fencing, gates, jogging tracks, levelled playgrounds, trees, volleyball courts, storage rooms, and other facilities. The work must be completed within the stipulated timeline, with uncompromising quality,” he directed.
The Chief Minister announced that ultra-modern gyms will be established at around 3,000 locations statewide to positively channelise youth energy. “In the first phase, ₹35 crore will be spent to set up such gyms at 1,000 locations, equipped with modern equipment including barbells, weightlifting sets, benches, dumbbell sets, kettlebell sets, racks, floor mats, and more,” he said.
CM Mann further stated that the government will distribute 17,000 sports kits worth ₹50 crore to players. “Each kit will include volleyballs and footballs (three balls and two nets each), and cricket equipment (two bats, wickets, and six tennis balls).” He instructed officers to ensure distribution of 5,600 kits in villages by March 31, 2026.
He expressed pride that the department is ready to launch a comprehensive Sports Portal, where sportspersons and enthusiasts can access services like player registration, online gradation, direct benefit transfers, event organisation, ground booking, e-certificates, result recording, pensions, and scholarships—all with a single click. Additionally, trekking, adventure, and team activity camps will be organised in nine forest areas of the state for 10,000 youth.
Starting January, camps will be held at Pallanpur, Siswan, Mirzapur (Mohali), Tibba Tapria (Ropar), Nara (Hoshiarpur), and Harike Pattan Wetland (Tarn Taran). “A new Yuva Bhawan will be constructed in Sector 42-A, Chandigarh, at ₹43 crore. It will feature hostel accommodation for 200 youth, a 400-seat auditorium, conference hall, seminar rooms, and other facilities,” he added.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Punjab Government has rolled out the Sports Policy 2023 and increased the department’s budget from ₹350 crore in 2023-24 to ₹1,000 crore in 2024-25. “Hockey turfs at Mohali, Bathinda, and Ludhiana are being replaced at ₹10.50 crore and have received approval from the Indian Hockey Federation,” he noted.
He also directed officers to complete the new synthetic track under construction at Mohali’s Sector 78 Sports Stadium by March 2026 at a cost of ₹9 crore.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann took pride in Punjab being the first state in India to establish a dedicated Sports Medicine Cadre. “92 personnel have been selected to treat injured players and enhance their performance. Every initiative of the Punjab Government is geared towards positively channelising the youth’s energy and shielding them from the drug menace,” he concluded.
