Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a landmark initiative to elevate Punjab’s sporting landscape, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led one of the largest-ever felicitation events in the state, honouring 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awardees and 1,070 medal-winning athletes while unveiling a sweeping package of incentives, infrastructure projects, and policy reforms aimed at strengthening sports from the village level to the international stage. The state government distributed prize money worth ₹32.05 crore among athletes, including ₹1 crore each to Olympic and Asian Games medallists, and provided government jobs to nine outstanding sportspersons, marking a shift towards long-term support for sporting talent. For the first time, 220 players received ₹8.61 crore as advance assistance for training and tournament preparation, signaling a move from post-victory rewards to pre-performance backing. The government also announced a record ₹1,763 crore sports budget for 2026–27 and the development of 3,148 rural sports grounds worth ₹1,300 crore to nurture grassroots talent across villages. In a major boost to Punjab’s sporting ambitions, the state will host the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, including a high-profile India-Pakistan clash on Punjab Day. The Chief Minister also highlighted reforms in sports governance, stating that politically dominated associations have been replaced with merit-based participation of players. Additionally, over ₹15 crore has been disbursed through a dedicated sports portal for training support and equipment procurement, while a new digital platform has been launched to connect athletes with facilities and sponsorship opportunities. Other key initiatives include distribution of 17,000 sports kits, installation of gym equipment in 6,000 villages, and creation of a new “Outstanding Sportsperson” cadre for employment. With expanded allowances, sports medicine cadre recruitment, and youth training programs, the Punjab government has positioned sports as a central pillar of development, aiming to turn the state into a national and global powerhouse in athletics.
