Jalandhar, July 19 (Sports Desk)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday reviewed the preparations for the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship, scheduled to be held at the historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium in Jalandhar this December. During his visit, the Chief Minister announced a special grant of ₹2.14 crore for the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor badminton hall, reaffirming the Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting sporting excellence across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, CM Bhagwant Mann said that after nearly 44 years, the National Badminton Championship is returning to the historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium. He said the Under-13 championship will provide a major boost to badminton in Punjab and further strengthen the state’s sporting culture. He added that the Punjab Government is committed to promoting sports to channelise the immense energy of the youth in a positive direction.
The Chief Minister handed over the sanction cheque of ₹2.14 crore to Deputy Commissioner Jalandhar Varjeet Singh Walia and Punjab Badminton Association Secretary Ritin Khanna for the construction of the new indoor badminton hall. He noted that this was the first visit by a sitting Chief Minister to the iconic stadium in nearly six decades, a venue that has produced several outstanding badminton players.
CM Bhagwant Mann said the Public Works Department (PWD) will execute the project, with the tendering process set to begin shortly and construction expected to commence in August. He informed that the existing four outdoor multipurpose courts will be transformed into a world-class indoor badminton facility equipped with international-standard infrastructure.
He further stated that upon completion, Raizada Hansraj Stadium will feature a total of 10 indoor badminton courts, making it the only venue in Punjab with such an extensive indoor badminton complex and one of the premier badminton centres in North India.
The Chief Minister said the upgraded infrastructure will significantly enhance Punjab’s ability to host prestigious national and international badminton tournaments. He added that the stadium has been selected to host the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship this December, marking the return of a National Badminton Championship to the venue after nearly four decades.
During his visit, CM Bhagwant Mann interacted with players, coaches and sports officials while reviewing the existing sports infrastructure at the stadium. He assured the badminton fraternity that the Punjab Government would provide every possible support for the successful organisation of the championship and continue investing in world-class sports infrastructure across the state.
Highlighting Punjab’s rich sporting legacy, the Chief Minister said the state has produced several legendary sportspersons and has maintained a deep connection with sports for centuries.
He said the Sikh Gurus not only promoted spirituality but also encouraged physical fitness through sports. Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji established a Mall Akhara at Khadur Sahib and personally supervised wrestling and physical training, while Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji trained youth in horse riding and archery. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji mastered various sports and martial arts of his time. Even today, Punjab proudly preserves its sporting traditions through the traditional games organised during Hola Mohalla at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to sports, CM Bhagwant Mann said Punjab’s continued investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development has already begun producing encouraging results, with many players from the state excelling at higher levels of competition. He affirmed that the government will continue making every effort to promote sports and provide world-class facilities for the youth of Punjab.
