Young athletes across Punjab face uncertainty as the state Sports Department has yet to announce the results of trials held nearly two months ago for admissions into government-run sports wings. The trials, conducted on May 9 and 10 across 20 districts in disciplines including hockey, handball, and athletics, were meant to determine selections that entitle players to free education, coaching, equipment, boarding, and lodging.
Academic Year Underway Without Results
With the academic year already in progress, many players remain without admission or formal training. Coaches, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the delay has jeopardized both the academic and sporting careers of these athletes. They criticized the government for prioritizing election-related schemes over nurturing talent that could bring national and international recognition.
The trials were scheduled early so that new teams could begin training in June, providing ample time to prepare for competitions starting in August. However, players now fear they will not be ready in time.
Athletes Speak Out
Sumit, a Class X pass-out from Government Senior Secondary School Chakwal in Mohali, participated in the handball trials at Khalsa College, Amritsar. “Till date, no result has been declared, leaving us clueless about our future,” he said. His brother Sarvesh has delayed admission to the next class, hoping for placement in a sports wing. Another handball player, Heet, a Class IX student from DAV School, Mohali, said two months have passed without progress in academics or training.
Sports Wings Across Punjab
Punjab has sports wings in various districts, including wrestling and football in Jalandhar, basketball in Kapurthala, archery and badminton in Muktsar, football and wrestling in Mansa, hockey in Malerkotla and Ludhiana, wrestling in Patiala and Rupnagar, football in SAS Nagar and SSB Nagar, handball, kabaddi and hockey in Sangrur, and judo in Tarn Taran.
Official Responses Unclear
Special Chief Secretary (Sports) Sarvjeet Singh directed queries to Assistant Director (Sports) Ranbir Bhangu, who later referred the matter to Deputy Director (Sports) Gurdeep Kaur. Despite repeated attempts, she did not respond.
