2024 BELONGED TO PUNJAB IN THE WORLD OF SPORTS, CM INITIATES ADVANCE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ATHLETES’ PREPARATION, 19 OUT OF 100 INDIAN ATHLETES AT PARIS OLYMPICS HAIL FROM PUNJAB. EIGHT PLAYERS IN THE BRONZE MEDAL-WINNING INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM ARE FROM PUNJAB. 11 RENOWNED PLAYERS AWARDED PCS AND DSP JOBS IN PUNJAB, ESTABLISHMENT OF 1,000 SPORTS NURSERIES TO NURTURE TALENT; WORK ON 260 NURSERIES STARTED IN THE FIRST PHASE. FIRST-TIME INCLUSION OF PARA-SPORTS IN THE ‘KHEDAN WATAN PUNJAB DIYAN’ INITIATIVE

Sports Bureau/Chandigarh 

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has achieved exceptional milestones in the field of sports, making 2024 a memorable year for the state. 

A spokesperson from the Chief Minister’s Office revealed that the Chief Minister had envisioned to Punjab a front runner state in sports and fostered a sports culture by implementing a new sports policy in 2023. The results of this policy were evident in 2024. 

The spokesperson added that out of 100 Indian athletes participating in the Paris Olympics, 19 were from Punjab, including 10 hockey players, six shooters, two athletes, and one golfer. Additionally, three athletes from Punjab participated in the Paris Paralympics, comprising one para-athlete, one para-badminton player, and one para-powerlifter. Under the new sports policy, 22 athletes received ₹15 lakh each for preparation, amounting to a total of ₹3.30 crore. 

Highlighting the achievements, the spokesperson mentioned that the Indian hockey team made history by winning a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, with eight players from Punjab. Each of these players was awarded ₹1 crore, totaling ₹8 crore. Two reserve players received ₹15 lakh each. Other Olympians and Paralympians from Punjab also received ₹15 lakh each. In total, ₹13.10 crore was distributed among the 22 athletes for preparation, participation, and rewards. Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian team captain, became the top scorer of the Olympics with 10 goals, bringing immense pride to Punjab. 

In a significant step, 11 prominent athletes were offered government jobs in Punjab, with nine hockey players (four as PCS officers and five as DSPs), one athlete, and one cricketer being appointed. 

To further enhance sports culture, the state launched a project to establish 1,000 sports nurseries. In 2024, work began on 260 nurseries in the first phase. These nurseries aim to provide top-notch coaching, equipment, and facilities for budding athletes. 

The Chief Minister also introduced the third edition of the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ in 2024, which saw participation from nearly five lakh athletes across 37 sports and nine age groups. For the first time, para-sports were included in the event to ensure equal opportunities for all athletes to showcase their talent.