Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, December 16-
AAP MP from Sangrur, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, on Monday raised the issue of Punjab's share in sports funding under the 'Khelo India' scheme in the Lok Sabha, accusing the Central Government of discriminating against Punjab's athletes.
Meet Hayer said that Punjab's athletes contribute the highest, 20%, to India's total medals. From every sport, in every international event, including the Olympics, Punjab's athletes bring medals for the country. Yet, it is extremely unfortunate that Punjab receives far less sports funding compared to other states.
He said that however, it is deeply disheartening that Punjab doesn't even feature in the top 10 states in terms of funding released under the 'Khelo India' scheme by the Government of India. He added that in the last Olympics, 20 athletes from Punjab participated, including 10 players from the hockey team, who brought home a medal for India.
Hayer said it is remarkable that Punjab, with just 2% of India's total population, contributes 20% of the medals. He further stated that while they have no issue with the Central Govt allocating 400CR to states like UP and Gujarat, which win no medals.