PRESIDES OVER A FUNCTION TO FACILITATE 1975 WORLD CUP WINNER HOCKEY SQUAD AND GIVE CASH PRIZE TO WINNERS OF NATIONAL GAMES, KHEDAN WATAN PUNJAB DIAN AND PARA KHEDA WATAN PUNJAB DIAN
SAYS SPORTS PIVOTAL IN CHANNELIZING UNBOUNDED ENERGY OF YOUTH IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION
Chandigarh, March 27-
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday said that with the concerted efforts of the government, the state will soon host several national and international level sporting events to give impetus to sporting culture in the state.
Addressing the gathering during a function to facilitate 1975 World Cup Winner Hockey Squad and cash prize to winners of National Games, Khedan Watan Punjab Dian and Para Kheda Watan Punjab Dian, the Chief Minister said that he has raised this matter at several platforms and now it has started producing desired results adding that soon Punjab will soon host four Nation Hockey League. Likewise, he said that several other prestigious events will also be organized in the state to give a boost to sporting culture in Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that in order to wean away youth from the menace of drugs, playgrounds and gyms will be opened in every village of the state.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is working on an aggressive campaign to produce a maximum number of trained sportspersons and to have more Punjabi players in the Indian contingent for international events. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that Punjab has abundant sports talent and the Punjab government would not leave any stone unturned to enable the players to participate and win medals for India in the international arena. He said that Punjab has become the first state in the country to provide funds for preparation of international events to the players.
The Chief Minister said that Punjab and sports have a strong bond due to which Punjabi players always prove their mettle in the games. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the youth of the state have an inherent talent but the successive governments have failed to provide requisite infrastructure. He asserted that now the players are being provided with state of the art infrastructure and world class facilities.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to restoring the pristine glory of the state in the field of sports and no stone is being left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to concerted efforts of the state government players have carved a niche for themselves in the national and international sporting events. He said that it is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that eight players in the Indian team of 1975 Hockey were from Punjab and the coach of the team along with Manager were also from the state.
The Chief Minister said that the 1975 World Cup was a proud moment for the country as the one and only world cup was lifted by India. He bemoaned that the earlier government had never bothered about the sports and players but his government has laid due focus on it so that players get appreciation and youth get inspiration from them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a unique function as those who have upheld the flag of the country are present in this function adding that as he was an ardent sports lover so it is a matter of immense pride for them.
The Chief Minister said that Punjabis have always excelled in the field of sports and this function is a recognition of their hard work, perseverance and dedication. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned for promotion of sports in Punjab, so that more and more players bring medals in national and international events. He said that Sports nurseries are being set up in Punjab to channelize the unbounded energy of the youth in the state.
The Chief Minister said that promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the state government’s crusade against drugs due to which Punjab is leaving no stone unturned for this. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that the youth who are involved in sports have no time even to look at drugs because they are using their all might to excel in their respective fields. He further said that the Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is organized by the state government every year, which is a right step towards providing a platform to the players for showcasing their talent.
The Chief Minister asserted that these games help the state government to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the players which are beneficial for grooming them for the national and international events in future. He further said that the state government is leaving no stone unturned to popularize sports in the state as it can play a key role in progress of the state and prosperity of its people. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this is a moment of glory for all of us that a galaxy of players has attended this historic event today.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister also felicitated the players of 1975 Indian Hockey team and disbursed cash prize worth Rs 3.99 crore to 107 players who had recently participated in National games and Rs 9.65 crore to 13778 players who had won medals in Khedan Watan Punjab Dian and Para Kheda Watan Punjab Dian.
On the occasion the veteran Hockey players who had participated in 1975 world cup also presented a Hockey with their autograph to the Chief Minister.
