Punjab's Sports Revolution: Budget Soars to Rs 1,791 Crore, Hosts Major Events
In a landmark announcement, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presented the state's four-year sports report card on Tuesday, declaring a transformative "Khed Kranti" or sports revolution. This initiative is driven by unprecedented funding, infrastructure expansion, and comprehensive athlete support, marking a new era for Punjab's sporting landscape.
Massive Budget and Infrastructure Boost
The sports budget has seen a historic surge, escalating from Rs 350 crore in 2023–24 to Rs 1,791 crore in 2026–27. This financial injection has fueled the development of 3,100 playgrounds and 3,000 gyms across the state, alongside the distribution of 17,000 sports kits to aspiring athletes. The number of coaches has skyrocketed from 500 to 2,458, with 324 new recruits and 48 accomplished players appointed as coaches to mentor the next generation.
Enhanced Athlete Support and Achievements
Financial backing for athletes has been significantly bolstered, with Rs 15 lakh allocated for Olympic preparation and Rs 8 lakh for Asian Games athletes. This support has yielded impressive results: Punjab athletes clinched 20 medals at the 2023 Asian Games, setting a historic record. In recognition of excellence, Olympic bronze medallists from Paris 2024 and Asian Games gold winners were awarded Rs 1 crore each, while nine Olympic medallists received PCS and DSP jobs. Over the past four years, nearly Rs 100 crore has been distributed as prize money, incentivizing top performances.
Major Sporting Events Come to Punjab
For the first time, Punjab has secured hosting rights for prestigious tournaments. The state will host the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy in October, Asia's most prestigious hockey event, with matches at Balbir Singh Sr Hockey Stadium and Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. Additionally, the National Badminton Championship (U-13) will be held in Jalandhar after four decades. A four-nation invitational hockey tournament has also been approved, further elevating Punjab's status on the national and international sports stage.
Community Engagement and Policy Reforms
Participation in the "Khedan Watan Punjab Dian" initiative has surged from 1.5 lakh to 5 lakh players, reflecting growing grassroots involvement. A new sports policy introduced in 2023 provides structured financial support, ensuring sustained athlete development. Chief Minister Mann emphasized that this holistic approach aims to nurture talent from the ground up, making Punjab a powerhouse in sports.
This comprehensive overhaul underscores Punjab's commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture, with increased resources and opportunities poised to produce future champions and enhance the state's sporting legacy.
