KALJHARANI(Bathinda) : Punjab Government has launched a major scheme to construct more than 3100 ultra modern stadiums across the state at a cost of Rs 1194 crore.
Chief minister Bhagwant Mann while addressing a sports function here said that earlier, the basic infrastructure in sports fields was inadequate but now modern playgrounds will be made. He said that Punjab has made a major contribution in the field of sports and whenever the country’s flag is hoisted in international events, it is a matter of pride for everyone. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that four national teams are captained by Punjabis including Harmanpreet Kaur, Shubman Gill and Harmanpreet Singh.
The Chief Minister said that today nine Punjabi players are members of the national hockey team which reflects how the state is excelling in the arena of sports. He said that the state government has created massive sporting infrastructure in the state owing to which three generations of the same family are now seen playing sports in Kheda Watan Punjab Dian. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government gives Rs 1 crore to gold medal winners, Rs 75 lakh to silver medal winners and Rs 50 lakh to Bronze medal winners in international games.
The Chief Minister said that the motive is to encourage the players adding that now, players are given rewards immediately. Citing an example, he said that each Punjabi player in the Indian hockey team was awarded Rs 1 crore for winning medals, so that other youth can be inspired to fulfill their dreams of winning medals. For the first time, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that cash rewards are being given promptly contrary to earlier times, when athletes had to wait a long time for the money.