Expressing concern over the unsatisfactory achievements of sportspersons from the state at international level, Badal said that successive governments after independence did not give proper attention to the promotion and strengthening of sports infrastructure in the state. He stressed that his government has decided to streamline sports activities at all the levels in the state, and will ensure comprehensive training for outstanding players, selecting them from the primary school level.

The Chief Minister informed that his government has resumed the recruitment of outstanding sportspersons to various posts from sepoy to DSP level in the police, as per their achievements in national and international competitions.

Badal added that his government has also announced cash prizes of Rs one crore for gold medal, Rs 50 lakh for silver, and Rs 25 lakh for bronze medal in Olympic Games to Punjab players. Badal claimed that with a view to encourage hockey, his government has given substantial cash prizes to Punjab hockey players, who were the part of Indian hockey team, which won gold medal in Asian Games and Common Wealth Games.

Appreciating the NRIs of Gujjarwal village for liberal financial support for sports events, Badal urged all NRIs to come forward to strengthen basic amenities in their native villages. Badal announced a grant of Rs Five lakh for the organizing Sports Club of the village.

MP Sharanjit Singh Dhillon and former minister Jagdish Singh Garcha also addressed the function. DC Sumer Singh Gurjar, Sanjiv Kalra, IG Police, Jalandhar Range, GS Bhullar, SSP Ludhiana Rural, KP Brar, ADC and Davinder Singh, SDM Ludhiana East, were also present on the occasion.

Sports meet at Samrala

Later, the Chief Minister presided over the prize distribution function of the Annual Sports Tournament organized by Malwa Sports Club, Samrala, in collaboration with Panchayat Bondli at Malwa College, Bondli. The CM distributed the prizes to the winners, and announced a grant of Rs 10 lakh for development of a stadium. He also announced a grant of Rs five lakh for the pavement of streets, and construction of drains in Bondli village.

MLA Samrala Jagjiwan Singh Khirnia requested the Chief Minister to give sufficient grants for the promotion of sports and development works in Samrala constituency.