Punjab Achieves Remarkable Sports Milestones Under the Leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann

The Punjab government achieved significant milestones in sports, making 2024 a landmark year for the state. The Chief Minister’s vision to position Punjab as a leader in sports was realized through the implementation of a new sports policy in 2023, with its impact clearly visible in 2024.

Among Indian athletes competing in the Paris Olympics, 19 were from Punjab, including 10 hockey players, six shooters, two athletes, and one golfer. Punjab also had three representatives in the Paris Paralympics: a para-athlete, a para-badminton player, and a para-powerlifter. Under the sports policy, 22 athletes were provided ₹15 lakh each for preparation, amounting to ₹3.30 crore.

The Indian hockey team won a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, with eight players from Punjab contributing to this historic achievement. Each player received ₹1 crore, while two reserve players were awarded ₹15 lakh each. Other Olympians and Paralympians from Punjab were similarly rewarded, bringing the total financial support to ₹13.10 crore. Indian team captain Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals, earning widespread acclaim. In a progressive move, the Punjab government offered government jobs to 11 athletes, including nine hockey players (four as PCS officers and five as DSPs), along with one athlete and one cricketer.

To strengthen sports infrastructure, work commenced on 260 sports nurseries in the first phase of an ambitious project to establish 1,000 nurseries. These aim to provide high-quality coaching and facilities for young athletes.

The third edition of the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ in 2024 saw participation from nearly five lakh athletes across 37 sports disciplines. For the first time, para-sports were included, promoting inclusivity and providing a platform for all athletes to showcase their talent.

Note: The article is written by the Brand Desk.