Chief Minister Mann directs officials to complete 3,100 stadiums by June 2026

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu):  Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann issued clear, time-bound directives for the revamp of Punjab's sports infrastructure during a high-level review meeting with the Sports and Youth Services Department today, directing officials to complete the construction of 3,100 stadiums across the state at a cost of Rs. 1,350 crore by June 2026. The Chief Minister also launched a comprehensive package that includes the installation of state-of-the-art gyms at approximately 3,000 locations, the distribution of 17,000 sports kits at a cost of Rs. 50 crore, the launch of a comprehensive sports portal, and the construction of a new youth building at a cost of Rs. 43 crore. He stated that the government's primary objective is to channelize the boundless energy of Punjab's youth in a positive direction and keep them away from the menace of drug addiction.

Chairing a review meeting of the Sports and Youth Services Department here today, the Chief Minister said that these stadiums are being built in villages across the state in accordance with the new Sports Policy 2023. He said that Rs 1,350 crore will be spent on these stadiums, which include fencing, gates, jogging tracks, level playing fields, trees, volleyball courts, stores, and other facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the work on these stadiums must be completed within the stipulated time and the quality of work must be ensured at all costs.

The Chief Minister said that to channel the energy of the youth in a positive direction, state-of-the-art gyms will be established at approximately 3,000 locations across the state. He said that in the first phase, such state-of-the-art gyms will be established at 1,000 locations across the state at a cost of Rs 35 crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these gyms will include barbells, weightlifting sets, benches, dumbbell sets, kettlebell sets, racks, floor mats and many other state-of-the-art equipment.

The Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great pride and satisfaction that the department was launching a comprehensive sports portal. He said that sports lovers and players would be able to avail facilities like player registration, online grading, online DBT, organizing sports events, ground reservation, e-certificate, result recording, pension/stipend and other facilities with just one click. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that trekking, adventure and team activity camps would also be organized for 10,000 youth in nine forest areas of the state.

The Chief Minister said that starting next January, camps will be set up in Pallanpur, Siswan, Mirzapur (Mohali), Tibba Tapriya (Ropar), Nara (Hoshiarpur), and Harike Pattan Rakh (Tarn Taran). He also announced that a new youth building will be constructed in Sector 42A at a cost of ₹43 crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it will include hostel facilities for 200 youth, an auditorium with a capacity of 400, a conference hall, seminar rooms, and other amenities.