CHANDIGARH-Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday presented the sports report card under the “Shandaar Char Saal Bhagwant Mann de naal” series, outlining how the AAP government’s ‘Khed Kranti’ is fundamentally reshaping the sector. After presenting report cards on irrigation, health, and law and order, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted sports as the next frontier of reform, backed by concrete investments and on-ground expansion, including a jump in the sports budget from ₹350 crore to ₹1791 crore, increase in coaches from 500 to 2, 458, and direct financial support of ₹15 lakh for Olympic preparation and ₹8 lakh for Asian Games athletes.
Detailing the scale of this push, the Chief Minister pointed to the development of 3, 100 playgrounds, 3, 000 gyms, distribution of 17, 000 sports kits, and the rapid expansion of “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian”, where participation has grown from 1.5 lakh to 5 lakh players. He said this sustained, system-wide intervention is now delivering visible outcomes, with Punjab securing, for the first time in its history, the hosting rights for the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy, along with the National Badminton Championship Under-13 after 40 years, marking the state’s emergence as a serious sports hub in the country.
Addressing a press conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Asian games will conclude on October 3-4 and the top six performing hockey teams will vie in this Asian games. For the first time Punjab has got the opportunity to hold this international event and it is a big achievement in the field of sports.” He added, “Apart from this another international event in the form of a four nation invitation tournament has been approved for the state which will give boost to hockey in the state.”
Highlighting the significance of the event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Despite strong Punjabi representation, Punjab had never hosted a major hockey tournament until now. For the first time, Punjab will host the Asian Champions Trophy in October and it is Asia’s most prestigious hockey tournament.” He further stated, “Matches will be held at Balbir Singh Sr. Hockey Stadium and Surjit Hockey Stadium Jalandhar.”
The Chief Minister also announced the return of a major badminton event, stating, “After 40 years the state has also got national badminton championship to be held at Jalandhar. This tournament will be held for under 13 category and will ensure that the state gets impetus for overall development and sports.” Emphasising the government’s commitment, he added, “The state government is committed for giving impetus to the sports for channelising the unbounded energy of the youth in a positive direction.”
Underscoring Punjab’s deep-rooted sporting legacy, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab has produced several legendary sportspersons and the state shares a deep connection with sports for centuries.” He noted, “Our revered Sikh Gurus promoted not only spirituality but also physical fitness through sports. Sri Guru Angad Dev ji established a wrestling arena at Khadur Sahib and personally supervised physical training and wrestling, and Sri Guru Hargobind ji trained youth in horse riding and archery.”
He added, “Dashmesh Pita Sri Guru Gobind Singh mastered all forms of sports and martial arts of his time and even today traditional sports are showcased every year during Hola Mohalla at Sri Anandpur Sahib.”
Highlighting Punjab’s contribution to modern sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Captain of the Indian Hockey Team Harmanpreet Singh, Captain of India’s Australia tour squad Hardik Singh, Indian Men’s Cricket Team Captain Shubman Gill, Indian Women’s Cricket Team Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian Basketball Team Captain Palpreet Singh Brar, Indian Football Team Captain Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and recently Abhishek Sharma and Arshdeep Singh, who won the T20 World Cup, are all from Punjab.” He added, “All these players have brought laurels for the state and country and are inspiring the youth.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann further said, “Indian Women’s Cricket Team won the ODI World Cup last year under Harmanpreet Kaur, with players like Amanjot Kaur and Harleen Deol.”
On infrastructure, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Hockey AstroTurf has been replaced in Mohali, Bathinda and Ludhiana and a new synthetic track has been constructed in Mohali at a cost of ₹9 crore.” He added, “In Sports Medicine Cadre, 113 posts have been created out of which 92 have been filled.” He further said, “Doctors and physiotherapists have been deployed across major cities including Amritsar, Patiala, Ludhiana and Bathinda.”