Punjab, Jan 9: Sports have long been woven into Punjab’s cultural fabric, with generations of athletes emerging from its hockey fields and wrestling akharas to represent India on national and international stages. In recent years, the Punjab Government has undertaken a major effort to rejuvenate this legacy through an ambitious sports policy backed by large-scale infrastructure development and direct financial and employment support for players, positioning sports as both a passion and a viable career path for the state’s youth.
At the core of this push is a new sports policy aimed at identifying talent early and nurturing it systematically. The policy places strong emphasis on grassroots training, access to professional coaching and financial assistance to cover expenses such as sports equipment, diet and travel for competitions. Achievements on the field are being rewarded with cash incentives and government jobs, a move that has given young athletes greater confidence to pursue sports seriously without fear of financial insecurity.
A key pillar of the government’s strategy has been the launch of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, a statewide sports initiative designed to provide a competitive platform for players from villages, schools and towns. Several editions of the programme have already been held, drawing participation from all districts across a wide range of disciplines including athletics, football, hockey, kabaddi, volleyball and wrestling. Winners have received prize money running into crores of rupees, encouraging continued participation and sustained training among young sportspersons.
Beyond tournaments, the government has focused on ensuring long-term stability for athletes by offering government jobs to hundreds of players who have excelled at state, national and international levels. These appointments have helped athletes continue their sporting careers without being forced to abandon training due to financial pressures, with many balancing their roles in government service alongside regular practice and competition.
Financial assistance for training has also played a crucial role in widening access to sports, particularly for athletes from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. Support for coaching, nutrition, equipment and travel has enabled many young players to receive professional training that was previously out of reach, helping to level the playing field and broaden the talent pool.
Punjab has also made it a point to publicly honour sporting excellence. When India’s hockey team secured medals at the Olympics, players from Punjab were recognised with substantial cash rewards, a gesture that underscored the state’s commitment to celebrating and valuing its sports heroes.
In one of its most ambitious initiatives, the government has announced plans to construct 13,000 ultra-modern stadiums across the state to promote sports participation and steer youth away from drug abuse. Construction of 3,083 stadiums is already underway in the first phase, with the facilities expected to provide safe spaces for play, modern infrastructure and grounds for regular practice as part of a broader effort to address social challenges through positive engagement.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has repeatedly described sports as Punjab’s strongest weapon against drugs and unemployment, stressing that keeping young people active on playing fields can help safeguard their future. He has said the government’s focus on stadiums, jobs and athlete support is aimed at restoring Punjab’s standing as a sporting powerhouse.
Through a combination of policy reform, competitive platforms, infrastructure expansion and sustained financial backing, Punjab is laying the foundation for a robust sports ecosystem. The initiative is not only producing competitive athletes but also fostering a healthier, more disciplined and confident generation, reinforcing the role of sports in shaping the state’s social and cultural future.
