Sangrur (Gurpreet Singh): Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said Punjab is transforming Sangrur into a skating hub to nurture international-level talent, with players from the district winning 70 to 80 national medals every year and a new world-class skating track coming up in Dhuri. Contrasting his government’s focus on sports with the neglect of previous governments, he highlighted the record ₹1,790 crore sports budget and pledged that no athlete would be deprived of facilities or resources. Emphasising Punjab’s sporting legacy, he said the captains of India’s cricket, hockey and football teams are Punjabis, while urging parents to encourage children to balance sports with education and bring glory to the country.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “It was heartening to see the enthusiasm of young children and youth at the skating track in Sangrur. Sangrur has now emerged as a skating hub, with its players winning 70 to 80 national medals every year. Salute to the hard work and dedication of these young athletes’ parents and coaches. The captains of India’s cricket, hockey and football teams are Punjabis because Punjabis are never satisfied with anything less than the top position. To provide athletes with international-level facilities, we have increased the sports budget to ₹1,790 crore for the first time. We pray that our children achieve great success in sports and academics and bring glory to the country. Inquilab Zindabad.”
Interacting with the players, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “We are developing Sangrur into a skating hub to nurture international-level players. Skating is a highly challenging sport that requires exceptional skills, technique and dedication.”
The Chief Minister also congratulated the players who had won silver medals at the 19th and 20th Asian Roller Skating Championships. “It is a matter of pride that players from Sangrur district win 70 to 80 national medals every year. Our government will ensure that players have access to the best facilities and resources to excel at national and international competitions,” he said.
He said, “We already have two skating tracks in Sangrur district, and another excellent skating track is being developed in Dhuri. Our objective is to provide skaters with international-level facilities so that they can bring laurels to Punjab and the country. We will not allow any shortage of facilities or resources to hinder the progress of our players.”
Highlighting his government’s commitment to sports, the Chief Minister said that the government had allocated ₹1,790 crore exclusively for the sector for the first time. “Previous governments did not give sports the importance they deserved. Our government has allocated ₹1,790 crore for sports for the first time to strengthen sporting infrastructure and encourage young talent. We are committed to ensuring that our players receive the support they need to achieve excellence,” he said.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that the fourth season of Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is underway, with lakhs of participants taking part in the initiative to identify and nurture emerging sporting talent. “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is providing a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities and pursue their sporting ambitions. We are also developing more than 3,000 rural sports grounds and establishing gyms in villages to promote sports and encourage our youth to adopt a healthy and disciplined lifestyle,” he said.
Congratulating the medal-winning players, the Chief Minister acknowledged the contribution of parents and coaches in their achievements. “A player’s hard work and dedication are essential to reaching the podium, but parents and coaches also make an invaluable contribution. They stand by players at every step, guide them through challenges and support them like a shadow. I congratulate all the medal-winning players, their parents and their coaches for their achievements,” he said.
He also urged parents to encourage their children to participate in sports alongside their studies. “Sports instil discipline, confidence and teamwork in young people and help keep them away from bad company. We must provide our children with every opportunity to develop their talents and build a bright future.”
Emphasising Punjab’s longstanding contribution to Indian sports, the Chief Minister said that Punjabi athletes had consistently brought honour to the country at national and international competitions. “Punjab has made an exceptional contribution to Indian sports over several decades. Today, Harmanpreet Singh is leading the Indian men’s hockey team, Shubman Gill is the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, Harmanpreet Kaur has led the Indian women’s cricket team, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is leading the Indian men’s football team, and Palpreet Singh Brar has captained the Indian basketball team. This reflects the immense sporting talent of Punjab, and our government is committed to nurturing the next generation of champions,” said CM Bhagwant Singh Mann.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government would continue investing in sporting infrastructure and providing young athletes with opportunities to excel.
Exhibition speed-skating races for boys and girls were also organised on the occasion.
