Marking a historic milestone in Punjab’s sporting journey, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday laid the foundation stone of the long-awaited Burlton Park Sports Hub in Jalandhar, reviving a project envisioned nearly 17 years ago.
The ceremony, held amid much enthusiasm, was attended by several dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP and LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal, Local Bodies Minister Dr. Ravjot, MLA Mohinder Bhagat, Jalandhar Central Halka Incharge Nitin Kohli, Mayor Vaneet Dhir, and other senior officials.
Addressing the crowd, CM Mann recalled the city’s rich sports legacy, calling Jalandhar “Itihaasik Khedan Da Sehar” (Historic city of sports). “Today, Jalandhar’s long-pending dream is turning into reality. Many elders often tell me how they grew up playing at Burlton Park. Even cricketer Harbhajan Singh began his cricketing journey here,” he said.
He highlighted Jalandhar’s contribution to national teams, stating, “At one point, Punjab had so many top athletes that our own hockey players could beat the national team. Even today, 7-8 players in the Indian hockey team hail from Jalandhar.”
Mann also spoke about the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ tournament that was first launched in Jalandhar and has grown into an intergenerational sporting event, where three generations — grandfather, father, and grandson — have competed together.
Sports as a Weapon Against Drugs
CM Mann emphasized the transformative role of sports in Punjab’s battle against drugs. “When the youth are in stadiums and grounds, who will remain to fall into addiction? Sports is one of our strongest weapons in the fight against drugs,” he declared, urging the public to support this movement.
He also holds the Sports Ministry portfolio and confirmed that sports development would remain a top priority under his leadership.
'Change of name of Burlton Park'
CM Mann proposed that the name “Burlton Park,” a remnant from colonial times, be changed. “Form a committee and rename this park in honour of a sports legend connected to Punjab’s athletic heritage,” he suggested.
CM Mann's promise for a cricket stadium in Amritsar
Taking the opportunity to address regional sporting infrastructure, Mann announced plans for a new international cricket stadium in Amritsar, complementing existing venues in Mohali (now Mullanpur) and the upcoming Jalandhar facility.
“Every day, around 1 lakh people visit Amritsar, and the number crosses 1.5 lakh on weekends. Once we have an international stadium there, Punjab’s team won’t need to travel to Dharamshala or elsewhere,” he said.
Once completed, Punjab will boast three major international-level cricket stadiums—in Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Mullanpur, bolstering the state’s claim as a true sporting powerhouse.
Arvind Kejriwal announces Burlton Park will be completed within a year
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal also addressed the media in which he announced that the Bulrton Park Sports Hub will be completed within 1 year. "I promise that me and Mann Saab will come back here within 1 year to play a sport," promised former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.