Punjab Newsline | Sangrur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced a major initiative to promote sports at the grassroots level by introducing league competitions for all sports across the state, similar to the popular cricket and kabaddi leagues. The move aims to provide equal opportunities to talented athletes and strengthen Punjab's sporting ecosystem.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a state-of-the-art swimming pool worth ₹9.5 crore in Sangrur, a project the government described as a significant step toward developing world-class sports infrastructure.
The inauguration witnessed an inspiring moment as young swimmers participated in a demonstration race. Chief Minister Mann officially flagged off the event by applauding and encouraging the children from the poolside. Impressed by their performance, he wished the budding athletes success in their sporting careers.
Addressing the gathering, Mann criticized previous governments over their approach to sports development. He claimed that the sports budget during earlier administrations remained limited to around ₹200 crore, resulting in inadequate facilities and lost opportunities for many talented athletes.
Highlighting his government's efforts, the Chief Minister said the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has allocated a record ₹1,790 crore for sports, describing it as an unprecedented investment that reflects the state's commitment to youth and athletic excellence.
Mann said the government's primary objective is to identify sporting talent at the grassroots level, nurture promising athletes, and prepare them for international competitions, including the Olympics and the Asian Games.
He also emphasized that Punjab's upgraded sports infrastructure would provide athletes with world-class training facilities comparable to international standards, reducing the need to seek advanced coaching and amenities elsewhere.
Reassuring aspiring sportspersons, the Chief Minister said financial constraints or lack of infrastructure would no longer stand in the way of talented athletes. He concluded by reaffirming his vision of restoring Punjab's status as the country's leading sporting state, calling the new swimming complex a key milestone in that mission.
