Model Rural Sports Grounds in Punjab

May 7, 2026

As promised to the people of the state by
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, rural
sports in Punjab are to be promoted in such
a manner that the state’s youth are drawn
towards athletics and build their future
within the realm of sports. It is worth recalling that, prior
to this initiative, rural sports competitions in Punjab had
nearly ceased to exist due to a lack of attention directed
toward them. With the objective of reviving rural sports,
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday inaugurated
250 model rural sports grounds—developed across
various villages in Punjab—during a ceremony held at
the village of Kalewal in Kurali. On this occasion, Chief
Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the development
of infrastructure designed to boost sports and encourage
the youth to participate in athletic activities; consequently,
the youth of Punjab will be steered away from drug abuse.
He further stated that by July 15, a total of 3,100 sports
grounds will be established across Punjab, each equipped
with every necessary sports facility at the rural level.
It is evident that sports are widely regarded as the
most effective weapon in the fight against drug abuse.
Consequently, the government is actively engaging
Punjab’s youth in rural sports. To this end, the government
is introducing traditional sports, such as bullock cart races.
A budget of Rs.1,790 crore has been allocated for rural
sports; the contrast is stark, as previous governments had
limited this budget to a mere Rs.150 crore.
With the aim of fostering a sporting spirit among the
youth and increasing their inclination toward athletics, the
government has announced—for the first time—that it will
host the Asian Hockey Championship in Punjab. For the
convenience of athletes and the general public, 1,400 ‘Aam
Aadmi Clinics’ are being established in close proximity
to their villages and homes. At these clinics, 45 different
types of diagnostic tests and 136 varieties of medicines will
be provided free of cost.
The Chief Minister noted that, to date, 50 million people
have already benefited from this initiative. Integrating the
youth of Punjab into the rural sports ecosystem represents
a monumental step forward. From the very outset, Chief
Minister Bhagwant Mann has consistently emphasized
the imperative of promoting sports throughout the state.
While he has increased the prize money for sports, he
has also assured players of due honor and employment
opportunities upon their retirement, so that their future
may be secured.