Chandigarh, March 27, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that the state is set to host several national and international sporting events, including the Four Nation Hockey League, as part of efforts to promote a strong sports culture.
Speaking at a function to felicitate the 1975 World Cup-winning Indian Hockey team and award cash prizes to winners of National Games, Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, and Para Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, Mann highlighted that these efforts are already yielding results.
Boosting Sports Infrastructure and Youth Engagement
Mann emphasized that sports can help steer Punjab’s youth away from drugs and into productive avenues. To achieve this, the government is establishing playgrounds and gyms in every village and launching an aggressive talent development campaign to ensure more Punjabi players make it to international sporting events.
The Chief Minister noted that Punjab is the first state in India to fund players’ preparation for international competitions. He assured that no effort would be spared in restoring Punjab’s legacy in sports and helping athletes win medals for India on the global stage.
Historic Legacy and Government Support
Punjab has historically produced world-class athletes, and Mann expressed pride in the eight Punjabi players, along with their coach and manager, who were part of the 1975 World Cup-winning Indian hockey team. He criticized previous governments for neglecting sports but reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class training facilities.
He stressed that sports nurseries are being set up across Punjab to nurture young talent. The government is also actively organizing Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, an annual sporting event that identifies and develops emerging athletes.
Cash Prizes and Recognition
During the event, Mann felicitated veteran hockey players from the 1975 squad, who gifted him a hockey stick signed by the team. Additionally, he distributed cash prizes worth ₹3.99 crore to 107 players who participated in National Games and ₹9.65 crore to 13,778 athletes who won medals in Khedan Watan Punjab Dian and Para Khedan Watan Punjab Dian.
Mann reiterated that promoting sports is key to Punjab’s fight against drug abuse, adding that engaged youth would have “no time to even look at drugs.” He concluded by stating that the government is determined to elevate Punjab’s sports culture and help its athletes achieve international success.
