Punjab all set to host several national and international sporting events: CM Mann

Punjab will soon host several national and international sporting events, thanks to the government's dedicated efforts to promote sports culture in the state, said Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday.

During a function to honor the 1975 World Cup-winning hockey team and award cash prizes to winners of the National Games, Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, and Para Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, he mentioned that he had raised this issue on multiple platforms, and the results were now visible. He announced that Punjab would soon host the Four Nations Hockey League and other prestigious events to boost sports in the state. He emphasized the need to engage youth in sports by developing playgrounds and gyms in every village to counter drug addiction.

He highlighted the state's aggressive campaign to nurture sports talent and ensure more Punjabi representation in international events. "Punjab has abundant sports talent, and we will leave no stone unturned to support players in winning medals for India," he said, adding that Punjab is the first state to provide funds for athletes preparing for international competitions.

He reiterated Punjab’s deep connection with sports, saying that Punjabi players have consistently excelled, but previous governments failed to provide the necessary infrastructure. "Now, we are equipping players with world-class facilities," he said. He noted that eight members of the 1975 World Cup-winning Indian hockey team, along with the coach and manager, were from Punjab.

Recalling the historic 1975 World Cup victory, he lamented that previous governments had neglected sports and players. "This is a unique event where those who have raised India’s flag high are being honored. As a passionate sports enthusiast, this is a proud moment for me," he said.

He emphasized that sports promotion is key to Punjab’s fight against drugs. "Youth involved in sports don’t have time for drugs; they dedicate all their energy to excelling in their fields," he stated. He highlighted the annual Khedan Watan Punjab Dian as a crucial platform for young athletes.

He further explained that these games help assess players' strengths and weaknesses, aiding their grooming for future national and international competitions. He expressed the government's unwavering commitment to sports development, recognizing its role in the state's progress and prosperity. "It is a moment of glory that a galaxy of athletes is present here today," he remarked.

He also felicitated the 1975 Indian hockey team and distributed ₹3.99 crore to 107 National Games participants and ₹9.65 crore to 13,778 medal winners of Khedan Watan Punjab Dian and Para Khedan Watan Punjab Dian.

Veteran hockey players from the 1975 World Cup team presented him with a hockey stick bearing their autographs.