Initiative to Combat Drug Menace by Fostering Sports Culture Among Youth
CM Slams Past Governments for Neglecting Sports and Enabling Drug Spread
Chandigarh, July 13
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 13,000 ultra-modern stadiums across Punjab’s villages, with 3,083 already under construction in the first phase, aimed at promoting sports and steering youth away from drug addiction.
Speaking to media at his official residence, Mann emphasized that “idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” underscoring the state government’s focus on channeling the energy of Punjab’s youth through sports. He highlighted that the initiative seeks to cultivate a vibrant sporting culture, particularly at the village level, to combat the drug menace. These stadiums, he said, will play a pivotal role in nurturing athletic talent and fostering a healthy, drug-free environment.
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Mann sharply criticized previous Congress and Akali-BJP governments for neglecting sports infrastructure and youth employment, which he said allowed the drug crisis to spiral unchecked, pushing Punjab’s youth into addiction. In contrast, he credited the current government’s anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, for disrupting narcotics supply chains and helping many young people overcome addiction. He lauded the Punjab Police for their relentless efforts in dismantling drug networks, a challenge previous administrations failed to tackle effectively.
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The Chief Minister outlined a comprehensive strategy to engage youth in sports, with modern sports facilities planned for all 13,000 villages in Punjab. The first phase, covering 3,083 stadiums, has already begun, marking a historic step toward transforming rural sports infrastructure. Mann affirmed the government’s commitment to providing employment opportunities and world-class facilities, with accomplished international athletes appointed as coaches to mentor budding talent in these new stadiums.
Highlighting Punjab’s sporting legacy, Mann noted that despite limited resources, the state has produced icons like Harbhajan Singh, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep Singh. He expressed pride in Punjab being the first state to offer financial assistance to athletes preparing for international competitions, a policy yielding promising results. The expertise of seasoned athletes, he added, will be leveraged to build a robust sports culture.
Mann lambasted past governments for ignoring sports infrastructure, yet acknowledged the individual brilliance of athletes who succeeded through sheer determination. As a passionate sports enthusiast and state leader, he vowed to lead Punjab’s youth away from drugs and toward excellence. The Chief Minister envisioned these efforts shaping a “Rangla Punjab”—a vibrant, progressive state—essential for its holistic development and prosperity. He expressed confidence that the stadium initiative would unlock the potential of countless young athletes, enabling them to bring laurels to Punjab on national and global stages.
