In a proud moment for Punjab, finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema visited Khadial village in Dirba assembly constituency of Sangrur district to honour Sehnoor Bawa for her stellar performance at the Under-20 Asian Athletics Championship in Hong Kong. Bawa secured a gold medal in the relay race, bringing laurels to her region and the nation.
Government Support for Young Athletes
Cheema, while congratulating Bawa and her family, detailed the state government's initiatives to support budding sportspersons. He emphasized that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, young athletes from rural backgrounds are increasingly excelling at international platforms. The minister assured that the government would provide all necessary facilities, including equipment, training infrastructure, and financial assistance, to help Bawa prepare for future competitions. He expressed confidence that she would go on to represent India at the Olympic Games.
Infrastructure Development Plans
Highlighting the government's commitment to sports development, Cheema announced that a major stadium would be constructed in every third village across the state. Specifically, a modern sports facility is planned for Khadial village. Additionally, an indoor stadium capable of hosting 11 different sports simultaneously is under construction in Dirba town. Qualified coaches are being deployed in villages to identify and train young talent at the grassroots level.
Cheema also praised coach Jaspreet Singh for recognizing Bawa's potential early on and nurturing her into an international-level competitor. The event underscored the state's focus on promoting sports and creating opportunities for rural youth to shine on the global stage.
