Punjab Gears Up to Host Major National and International Sporting Events: CM Bhagwant Mann
— CM PRESIDES OVER CEREMONY TO HONOR 1975 WORLD CUP-WINNING HOCKEY TEAM AND AWARD CASH PRIZES TO WINNERS OF NATIONAL GAMES, KHEDAN WATAN PUNJAB DIAN, AND PARA KHEDA WATAN PUNJAB DIAN
— SPORTS VITAL FOR DIRECTING YOUTH ENERGY POSITIVELY, SAYS MANN
Chandigarh, March 27
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced on Thursday that the state is poised to host several national and international sporting events, thanks to the relentless efforts of the state government to promote a robust sports culture.
Speaking at an event organized to honor the 1975 World Cup-winning Indian hockey team and distribute cash prizes to winners of the National Games, Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, and Para Kheda Watan Punjab Dian, the Chief Minister revealed that his advocacy on various platforms is yielding results. He shared that Punjab will soon host four National Hockey League tournaments, alongside other prestigious events aimed at elevating the state’s sporting legacy. To combat the drug menace among youth, Mann added, playgrounds and gyms will be established in every village across Punjab.
Mann emphasized that the state government is launching an ambitious campaign to train a maximum number of athletes and increase the representation of Punjabi players in India’s international contingents. “Punjab is brimming with sports talent, and we are committed to ensuring our players shine on the global stage, winning medals for India,” he said, noting that Punjab is the first state in the country to provide financial support for players preparing for international competitions.
Highlighting the deep connection between Punjab and sports, the Chief Minister said Punjabi athletes have consistently excelled, despite previous governments’ failure to provide adequate infrastructure. He assured that his administration is now equipping players with cutting-edge facilities and world-class resources.
Mann reiterated the government’s dedication to reviving Punjab’s golden era in sports, leaving no effort spared. He credited the state’s concerted push for enabling players to make their mark in national and international arenas. “It’s a matter of immense pride that eight players from Punjab were part of the 1975 Indian hockey team, along with the coach and manager,” he said, celebrating the state’s historic contribution.
Reflecting on the 1975 World Cup victory—the only time India clinched the title—Mann lamented the neglect of sports by past administrations. “My government is changing that narrative by recognizing players and inspiring the youth,” he said. As a self-proclaimed sports enthusiast, he described the event—attended by icons who upheld India’s honor—as a personal moment of pride.
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Mann praised Punjabis’ sporting excellence, calling the ceremony a tribute to their hard work and dedication. He outlined plans to establish sports nurseries across the state to harness the boundless energy of the youth. “Promoting sports is our strongest weapon against drugs,” he asserted, adding that athletes engrossed in their craft have no time for such vices. The annual Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, he noted, offers a vital platform for talent to shine.
The Chief Minister explained that these games help identify players’ strengths and areas for improvement, aiding their preparation for bigger stages. “Popularizing sports is key to Punjab’s progress and prosperity,” he said, describing the gathering of celebrated athletes as a glorious milestone.
During the event, Mann honored the 1975 Indian hockey team members and distributed cash prizes: ₹3.99 crore to 107 National Games participants and ₹9.65 crore to 13,778 medalists from Khedan Watan Punjab Dian and Para Kheda Watan Punjab Dian. The veteran hockey players also presented the Chief Minister with an autographed hockey stick, marking a memorable highlight of the occasion.
