Punjab CM Mann, Kejriwal lay foundation for over 3,100 sports grounds

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday laid the foundation stone for 3,100 sports grounds across the state, aiming to promote physical fitness and sports development in villages.

Addressing the gathering in Bathinda, Kejriwal described the initiative as a historic step for Punjab. He said the playgrounds would be equipped with modern facilities for volleyball, football, hockey, and athletics, and the government would also provide necessary sports equipment to ensure active youth participation.

The initiative is part of the state government’s broader focus on youth engagement and welfare, complementing its ongoing anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh.” Kejriwal highlighted that strict measures are being taken against drug traffickers, including the imprisonment of major smugglers, demolition of their properties, and recovery of large quantities of heroin and other narcotics. He noted that the campaign has been in progress for the past eight to ten months.

Kejriwal also emphasised employment generation in Punjab. He stated that over the past three years, the Mann government had provided 55,000 jobs purely on merit, while private sector projects being established in the state are expected to generate around 4 lakh additional jobs for youth.

By jointly promoting the sports development initiative, Mann and Kejriwal underscored the government’s commitment to combining recreational infrastructure with anti-drug measures and employment opportunities. The initiative aims to provide constructive avenues for youth, keeping them engaged in physical and professional development activities, while reinforcing the state’s measures against drug abuse.

The foundation-laying ceremony in Bathinda marks the beginning of the implementation phase, with the state government planning to establish these modern sports facilities across villages throughout Punjab in the coming months.