During the flag-off ceremony for the Rugby World Cup ball shipment, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reiterated his commitment to establishing a world-class Sports University in Jalandhar, positioning it as a future hub of excellence in Indian athletics and sports sciences. Speaking at the event, CM Mann emphasized that the Sports University will not just be another institute but a game-changer in India’s sports education landscape.
Interacting with the media, CM Mann said, "I personally hold the sports department portfolio and take this responsibility seriously. We are in discussions with Birmingham, a city that has hosted the Olympics twice. We want to build a university in Jalandhar that sets an example for the entire nation,” said CM Mann.
He acknowledged the presence of major institutions like NIS Patiala and top centres in Bengaluru but stressed that the proposed university in Jalandhar will be built at a scale and standard "that creates a new benchmark."
Arvind Kejriwal promises to make Jalandhar- Sports Capital of India
Addressing the media, AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal said, “It was heartening to visit the manufacturing units of rugby balls, basketballs, and more. We saw local women actively involved in the process. The flag-off of 25,000 rugby balls marks a proud moment for Jalandhar and Punjab.”
Kejriwal acknowledged that Jalandhar once thrived as a sports manufacturing hub, but over time, due to poor governance and rising drug issues, many industries shifted base. “Our goal is to bring those industries back and develop the existing ones so that Jalandhar reclaims its lost glory.”
CM Mann flags off 25,000 'Made In Jalandhar' Rugby World Cup Balls
In a significant boost to India’s sports manufacturing sector, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday flagged off the first international shipment of 25,000 rugby balls from Jalandhar, destined for the Rugby World Cup. The flag-off ceremony marked a proud moment for Jalandhar, widely regarded as the Sports Capital of India. The event also spotlighted the city’s vital role in producing world-class sports equipment, including balls and bats used in global tournaments such as the Cricket World Cup and Rugby World Cup.
After the flag off ceremony, CM Mann and Arvind Kejriwal also interacted with the media. CM Mann said, "Today, Jalandhar — the city known as India’s Sports Capital — is sending its first shipment of 25,000 rugby balls for the World Cup. I have visited this place before when the Rugby World Cup was held in France — and even then, balls made in Jalandhar were being used on the world stage. It’s a moment of immense pride that from cricket to rugby, sports played across the globe use equipment manufactured in our soil.”
He added that the state government is committed to transforming Jalandhar into a full-fledged Sports Hub, emphasizing employment generation—particularly for local women engaged in ball manufacturing.
“Thousands of women are getting employment in this sector. We’re also inaugurating a sports facility at Burlton Park today, and several major announcements will follow. Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports is unparalleled—8 players in the national hockey team are from Jalandhar alone. Shubman Gill, the Indian cricket team captain, is from Punjab, and Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the women’s team, hails from Moga. Even the captain of India’s football team is a Punjabi.”
Mann further underlined how sports can be a powerful tool in eradicating drug abuse in the state.
“The stain of drugs on Punjab will be washed away through sports. The people are supporting us in our campaign against narcotics.”