A state-level sports honor ceremony is being organized today in Chandigarh by the Punjab government. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will honor 87 players with the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award at the ceremony.
During the ceremony, a total prize amount of ₹32.05 crore will also be distributed among the players. Players who have won medals at the national and international levels, bringing recognition to Punjab and the country, will be specially honored.
Hockey and women’s cricket team players were also honored
Punjabi players of the Indian hockey team and the Indian women’s cricket team will also be honored with cash prizes. The state government says that the main purpose of this program is to recognize the achievements of players and to inspire youth to participate in sports.
Punjab’s Biggest Sports Honor
The Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award is considered Punjab’s biggest sports honor. This award is given to players who have shown outstanding performance in sports and have brought fame to the state.
The government believes that such honors boost the morale of players and help strengthen the sports culture among the youth.
Playing fields in 3,000 villages
Captain of the women’s cricket team, Harmandeep Singh, said that the respect that players have received in Punjab after the government of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann came to power is welcome. Since their government came, platforms have been created for players. Playing fields are being opened in 3,000 villages and gyms in 6,000 villages, which is motivating the players.
It has been 15 to 20 years of playing.
Hockey team captain Harmandeep Singh said, I sincerely thank you. The Chief Minister has been promoting sports in Punjab. We have played as a team and have also won, but the greatest happiness is that we have won the Asian Trophy. It has been 15 to 20 years of playing. There was a dream in Punjab that players from Punjab would be honored all over the world. The way playgrounds are being built in Punjab, more and more new players will emerge and there is hope that we will also give our best and bring medals for Punjab.