International stadiums to come up in Amritsar and Jalandhar; “Punjab will soon lead the nation in sports,” says CM Bhagwant Mann
Punjab E News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has once again reaffirmed that his government’s mission is to make Punjab the hub of sports in India. Addressing the youth during the grand finale of the Punjab Hockey League 2025 at Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, he said that Punjab’s glorious history is deeply rooted in sports, and the day is not far when Punjab will emerge as the number one state in the country in sports.
CM Mann announced that international-level cricket and hockey stadiums will soon be built in Jalandhar and Amritsar. He emphasized that the government is taking unprecedented steps to establish Punjab as the “Sports Capital” of the country and turn it into a global center for sporting events.
Calling the Punjab Hockey League a historic initiative, he said it is the country’s first junior hockey league and also the tournament with the highest prize money. The event, he added, has brought together three generations of hockey players on a single stage, proving that the spirit of sports still runs strong in the veins of Punjab.
Mann reminded the audience that 9 out of the 18 players in India’s Asia Cup-winning hockey team were from Punjab. The same trend was seen in the last two Olympic Games, where India won medals. He said this is concrete evidence of Punjab’s sporting talent and noted that Jalandhar has gained recognition worldwide as the “Sports Capital.”
Regarding sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister said that over the next few years, more than 3,000 sports stadiums will be developed across the state. He stressed that sports have emerged as the strongest weapon in the fight against drugs, and it is encouraging that Punjab’s youth are returning to the playgrounds in large numbers.
Referring to his government’s policies, Mann said that Burlton Park is already being developed as a sports center, and a world-class sports hub will soon come up in Amritsar as well. Punjab, he added, is also ready to reclaim its leadership in the sports equipment manufacturing sector, as Jalandhar’s name has long been associated with major international sporting events.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Aman Arora announced a new initiative for youth. He said that the newly-built bus stand in Sunam is a unique project in itself, featuring all facilities for passengers and traders on the ground floor and an ultra-modern multipurpose sports hall on the first floor. The hall will promote sports like kabaddi, judo, wrestling, and karate. This, he said, is a first-of-its-kind model combining transport and sports under one roof for holistic community development.
CM Mann further shared that his government has left no stone unturned in honoring players. Several athletes, including nine hockey players, have been appointed as DSPs and PCS officers, reflecting the state’s commitment to recognizing sporting talent. The government has also proudly honored Olympians representing India in international hockey tournaments.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Mann declared that just as his government has made Punjab a leader in governance, health, and education, it will also make Punjab the nation’s biggest sports hub in the coming years. As part of his vision, world-class sports infrastructure will be developed in Amritsar and Jalandhar, and every village in Punjab will become a new cradle of sporting excellence.
