The Mann government is taking decisive measures to pull Punjab’s youth out of the grip of drugs and steer them toward a positive future. There was a time when the prospects of village youth appeared overshadowed by substance abuse, but today the government is shaping an atmosphere where young people are building their identity through sports, not drugs.
The Mann government of Punjab has resolved to develop sports stadiums in every village, giving the youth proper grounds, direction, and most importantly, a strong foundation to stay away from drugs. As a result, Punjab’s youth are now preparing to rise and excel in sports.
The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has allocated ₹979 crore for sports development in the current budget. This marks the highest-ever allocation for sports in the state’s history and is expected to significantly strengthen Punjab’s sports culture. The Mann government has planned the construction of modern sports grounds in around 13,000 villages across the state.
As part of this initiative, rural stadiums are being completely renovated. Work has already begun in 3,083 villages during the first phase, and these stadiums are set to become the new identity of Punjab’s villages.
Several other major initiatives have been launched to promote sports, including the New Sports Policy, the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ tournament, and the establishment of sports nurseries. The objective of the New Sports Policy 2023 is to ensure transparent selection of talent and provide players with the best possible facilities. Under this policy, talented athletes are being given equal opportunities to display their skills at both state and national levels. ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’, an annual sports event initiated by the Mann government, has seen massive participation.
In its third edition (2024), nearly 5 lakh athletes competed across 37 sports, with para-sports also included. In addition, the Mann government is setting up 1,000 sports nurseries, offering world-class coaching, quality sports equipment, and modern facilities.
By removing restrictions on heritage sports, the government has also revived traditional activities such as bullock cart races, dog races, and horse races. This move aims to restore Punjab’s cultural identity while reconnecting youth with their traditions. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh
Mann’s vision of making Punjab vibrant and colorful is now taking shape. Along with strengthening basic infrastructure, law and order in the state has also been improved, while revolutionary steps have been taken in the education sector. In the near future, ultra-modern stadiums will be ready in every village of Punjab.
The Punjab government is committed to providing sports and gym facilities for people of all age groups in both urban and rural areas, ensuring a healthier Punjab. This initiative is not limited to sports alone—it represents a new beginning for youth battling drug addiction. Punjab is currently passing through a critical phase of transformation, and the credit for this change goes to the Aam Aadmi Party government.
Once again, the future of village youth, which earlier seemed trapped in drugs, is now being reshaped under the leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann, where young people aspire to create their identity through sports.
These efforts are not confined to policy announcements but are becoming visible on the ground through sports stadiums in every village. The government is offering Punjab’s youth opportunities, purpose, and a firm path toward a drug-free life, enabling them to aim high in the world of sports.
Punjab’s soil has always produced legendary athletes and brought international recognition to the country, especially in hockey. Now, through focused and strategic initiatives, the Mann government is striving to restore Punjab’s lost glory in athletics.
These steps will accelerate the development of modern sports infrastructure and provide young players with a better training environment and greater opportunities to achieve excellence.