Reviving Rangla Punjab through sports, Bhagwant Mann Govt expands infrastructure & opportunities for youth: Harpal Singh Cheema
Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign major success; Cracks down on big drug traffickers, Bhagwant Mann govt vows to eliminate menace: Harpal Singh Cheema
From drugs to playgrounds, sports will save youth: Harpal Singh Cheema
First Kabaddi Cup organised at village Lopoke in memory of Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh
CHANDIGARH / AMRITSAR (LOPOKE), 10th April 2026:
Launching an aggressive push to steer Punjab’s youth away from drugs and towards sports, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced the construction of 6,000 new stadiums across the state, adding to the 3,000 already developed. He also outlined a broader development push, including ₹50 crore for infrastructure works in Raja Sansi Assembly constituency and ₹20 lakh for the development of historic village Lopoke, while reiterating the government’s continued crackdown on drug traffickers under the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign.
While inaugurating the first Kabaddi Cup held at Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke Stadium in Lopoke, Amritsar, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that such initiatives by the state government are playing a significant role in restoring the glory of “Rangla Punjab.” He appreciated the efforts of Sonia Mann, in-charge of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign, and her team for organizing such a commendable sports event in memory of Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke.
Highlighting the role of sports, he emphasised, “Youth can be protected from drugs by connecting them with sports. Through sports, Punjab’s youth will once again bring laurels at national and international levels. The Punjab government has made special budgetary provisions to promote sports and sports culture and is also creating new employment opportunities for the youth.”
Speaking on the anti-drug campaign, Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Our campaign Yudh Nashean Virudh has achieved major success, with several big drug traffickers being arrested and sent to jail. The government is committed to eradicating the drug menace from its roots.”
He added, “The Bhagwant Mann government is committed to promoting such sports events,” while announcing that ₹50 crore will be spent on development works to transform the Raja Sansi Assembly constituency. Village Lopoke, being a historic village, will also receive ₹20 lakh for its development.
On the occasion, Sonia Mann said, “Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke, the first Sikh martyr in Canada and a resident of village Lopoke, was a great personality who sacrificed his life for his nation and community. I thank the local residents for organising the first Kabaddi Cup in his memory and express gratitude to the Finance Minister and the Punjab government for promoting sports.”
Among others present on the occasion were Zila Parishad Member Resham Waraich, former Sarpanch Amardeep Singh, Chairman Paramjit Singh, Baljit Singh Saidpur, Gurjeet Singh (Vice President), Ram Singh Chogawan, Kabaddi Coach Ram Singh Sarpanch, and a large number of dignitaries and local residents.
