Initiative Aimed at Weaning Youth Away from Drug Menace by Promoting Sports
Slams Previous Regimes for Ignoring Sports and Patronising Drug Culture
Chandigarh, July 13 –
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday announced that the state government will soon commence the construction of 13,000 ultra-modern stadiums across Punjab, with work on 3,083 such stadiums already underway in the first phase.
Addressing media personnel at his official residence, the Chief Minister said that since “idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” the state government is focusing on promoting sports to positively channel the immense energy of Punjab’s youth. He emphasized that the aim is to instill a sporting culture in the state and steer young people away from the scourge of drug addiction. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these stadiums will be instrumental in promotion of sporting spirit across the state especially at village level.
The Chief Minister criticized previous governments, stating that successive Congress and Akali-BJP regimes paid no attention to the development of sports infrastructure or youth employment. As a result, he lamented, drugs spread unchecked across the state, and Punjab’s youth sank deeper into addiction. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted that the state is now witnessing a transformation, thanks to the ongoing anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, launched by the current government.
The Chief Minister noted that the supply chains of narcotics have been disrupted, and many young people are beginning to overcome addiction. The ultimate objective, he said, is to free Punjab’s youth from the grip of drugs and make them a partner in socio-economic development of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann praised the Punjab Police for their outstanding work in dismantling drug networks—something that, previous governments failed to address seriously.
The Chief Minister added that a comprehensive plan is now in place to connect youth with sports and distance them from addiction. He said that the state government has embarked on a historic mission to build modern sports facilities in every village of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann announced that around 13,000 villages will be equipped with high-quality sports grounds, and the first phase of the project has already commenced with 3,083 stadiums under construction.
The Chief Minister further stated that the state government is committed to providing employment opportunities and world-class sports facilities to the youth. He said that Accomplished sportspersons who have represented India at international levels will be appointed as coaches to train budding athletes in these new facilities. Bhagwant Singh Mann affirmed that the state will leave no stone unturned in its effort to restore Punjab’s lost glory.
Notably, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is the first state in the country to offer financial assistance to athletes for their preparation ahead of international competitions—a step that has already shown promising results.Emphasising that sports is a top priority for his government, he said that the expertise of experienced athletes will be fully utilized to foster a strong sports culture in the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that despite limited resources, Punjab has produced stars like Harbhajan Singh, Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh and others.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to create an environment where many more such talents can flourish. He expressed confidence that this initiative will act as a catalyst in shaping a “Rangla Punjab”—a vibrant, progressive Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann added that this is essential for the holistic development of the state and the prosperity of its people.
The Chief Minister further said that although previous governments ignored sports infrastructure, many individual athletes still managed to shine through personal grit and effort. As a passionate sports enthusiast and the head of the state, he affirmed his responsibility to lead the youth away from drugs. Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed hope that these efforts will yield the desired results, with Punjab’s youth bringing laurels to the state in every field.
