The North News
Chandigarh, October 9
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday announced a state-wide sports infrastructure initiative aimed at curbing drug use and promoting fitness among young people in Punjab. The plan involves the construction of more than 3,100 modern playgrounds across the state at a cost of ₹1,194 crore. Speaking at a public gathering in Kaljharani, Kejriwal said the project would “channelise the unbounded energy of Punjab’s youth in a positive direction” and help reinforce the state’s anti-drug campaigns, “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” and “Rangla Punjab.” Each playground will be designed for multiple sports, including volleyball, football, cricket and traditional games, with spaces also reserved for recreational activities for older people.
“A good playground is as essential as a good school,” Kejriwal said, adding that the facilities would become “symbols of community unity” across rural Punjab. The first phase will prioritise villages with larger populations, with grounds ranging from half an acre to four acres. The AAP leader highlighted that the state sports budget has increased from ₹100 crore before 2022 to ₹1,000 crore today, with a new sports policy launched in 2023 to support athletes with training, cash rewards and government jobs.
Kejriwal said that under the new policy, Punjabi athletes representing India at the Olympics received ₹15 lakh in advance for their preparations. Seven athletes have been appointed DSPs and four as PCS officers. Participation in state-level games has surged to 500,000 athletes, up from 25,000 before 2022.
He also accused previous governments of enabling drug trafficking networks, contrasting their approach with the current administration’s more aggressive crackdown, including high-profile arrests of political figures.
Chief Minister Mann said the government aims to make sports an integral part of community life. He pointed out that Punjabis currently captain four national teams, including cricketer Shubman Gill and hockey stars Harmanpreet Singh and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Mann outlined the state’s reward structure for international medal winners: ₹1 crore for gold, ₹75 lakh for silver and ₹50 lakh for bronze. He stressed that cash awards are now given promptly, unlike in the past.
The Chief Minister also criticised the previous Shiromani Akali Dal government, accusing it of “squandering money on luxuries” instead of investing in athletes. He said his administration has appointed 300 coaches and provides ₹8 lakh to players training for international competitions.
“Sports is the best antidote to drugs,” Mann said. “We’re building a generation of athletes and breaking the nexus that ruined Punjab’s youth.”
Mann reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance stance against those he described as “Jarnails” — individuals allegedly involved in the drug trade. He said several powerful leaders have been arrested and will “face the consequences of their actions.”
The event was also attended by Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, Manish Sisodia, KAP Sinha and other senior officials.
