CM Mann Announces 13,000 Ultra-Modern Stadiums to Transform Punjab’s Sporting Landscape and Combat Drug Menace

Chandigarh, July 13, 2025 — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday unveiled an ambitious plan to construct ultra-modern sports stadiums in every village of the state, a sweeping initiative aimed at fostering a vibrant sports culture and steering youth away from drug addiction.

Speaking at his official residence, Mann revealed that construction has already begun on 3,083 stadiums in the first phase, as part of a larger mission to build around 13,000 such facilities across Punjab. “Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. We want to channel the immense energy of our youth into sports and positive pursuits,” Mann said, stressing the transformative role of sports in society.

The Chief Minister didn’t mince words in his criticism of previous governments, accusing successive Congress and Akali-BJP regimes of neglecting sports infrastructure and employment generation, which he said allowed drug abuse to spread unchecked among Punjab’s youth. “Earlier governments ignored sports and patronized a culture where drugs flourished. We are changing that narrative,” he declared.

Mann credited his government’s anti-drug drive, Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, for dismantling narcotics supply chains and helping many young people overcome addiction. “Our ultimate objective is to free Punjab’s youth from the grip of drugs and make them active partners in the state’s socio-economic development,” he said.

Under the new initiative, the state plans to engage accomplished sportspersons who have represented India internationally as coaches to nurture budding athletes in these modern facilities. “Despite limited resources, Punjab has produced stars like Harbhajan Singh, Shubman Gill, and Arshdeep Singh. Imagine what our youth can achieve with world-class infrastructure and training,” Mann said.

The Chief Minister highlighted that Punjab is the first state in India to provide financial support to athletes preparing for international competitions a step he claimed has already shown promising results. He emphasized that leveraging the expertise of experienced athletes will be central to cultivating a robust sporting culture in Punjab.

Mann also underlined the economic and social significance of the initiative, describing sports as vital for holistic development and prosperity. “This is not merely about sports grounds; it’s about creating a vibrant, progressive Punjab Rangla Punjab where our youth bring laurels to the state and the nation,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed optimism that the initiative will yield lasting benefits, enabling Punjab’s youth to shine in every field and helping to erase the shadows of drug addiction that have plagued the state for years.

With construction already underway, Punjab’s vision of stadiums in every village signals a bold chapter in the state’s journey toward reclaiming its sporting glory and safeguarding its youth.