Punjab Desk: The sports policy introduced by the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has infused new energy into Punjab’s youth. The “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” campaign has transformed sports into a mass movement, steering young people away from drugs and back onto the playing field.
Having completed three successful seasons, the initiative has encouraged thousands of young athletes across the state. The government awarded ₹33.83 crore in prize money to 168 athletes who performed exceptionally at the Asian and National Games. Gold medalists received ₹1 crore, silver medalists ₹75 lakh, and bronze medalists up to ₹50 lakh. At the Paris Olympics, 19 athletes from Punjab represented India, including 10 hockey players.
Following India’s bronze win, eight players were awarded ₹1 crore each, and two reserve players received ₹15 lakh each. Additionally, 22 para-athletes preparing for the Paralympics were granted ₹15 lakh each as encouragement. To strengthen the link between sports and career opportunities, seven athletes have been appointed as DSPs, while four have been inducted into PCS positions. The state has also begun the development of 13,000 modern sports stadiums, with work currently underway on 3,083 of them. Chief Minister Mann stated, “Punjab is the land of sports talent. Our policy aims to give every young person a new flight on the playing field.”