CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Lays Foundation Stone of Sports Stadium in Samana, Says Sports Are Most Effective Weapon Against Drugs
SAMANA, 26th June 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the state government is constructing 3,100 stadiums across the state to promote sporting culture and wean away the youth from the curse of drugs. While laying the foundation stone of a Sports Stadium in Samana, the Chief Minister said that the state government is making unprecedented investments in sports infrastructure to encourage youth participation in sports, eradicate the menace of drugs and prepare athletes to excel at national and international levels.
Addressing the gathering, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We will construct this sports stadium over nine acres of Panchayati (village common) land at an estimated cost of ₹10.35 crore.” The stadium will feature an international-standard 400-metre synthetic athletics track with eight lanes. The synthetic track will be suitable for hosting athletic events such as 100-metre, 200-metre and 400-metre races, along with other track competitions.”
Sports Stadium : “The department will develop the track with world-class facilities for field events.”
The Chief Minister further said, “We will develop the infield area within the track with world-class facilities for field events, including shot put, hammer throw, long jump, high jump, discus throw and other games.” . This will enable athletes to train and compete at a high level. The construction of this stadium will greatly benefit the youth and sportspersons of the Samana Assembly constituency as well as adjoining areas. It will provide them with access to national-level training facilities, helping them excel in athletics and bring laurels to their constituency and the state of Punjab at the national level.”
Reiterating that promotion of sports is the strongest weapon in the fight against drugs, the Chief Minister said, “Promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the state government’s crusade against drugs.By promoting sports, we are channeling the unbounded energy of the youth toward sporting excellence. Young athletes have no time to even look at drugs because they dedicate all their might to excelling in their respective fields.This will go a long way in eliminating the curse of drugs from the state and making the youth an equal partner in the socio-economic development of Punjab.”
Sports Stadium : Punjab Government is developing 3,100 rural sports grounds equipped with modern facilities
Highlighting the state’s sports infrastructure initiative, the Chief Minister said, “With the objective of ensuring a healthy body and a sound mind, the Punjab Government is developing 3,100 rural sports grounds equipped with modern facilities across the state at a cost of ₹1,250 crore. These sports grounds will play a revolutionary role in the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. They will encourage youth to stay away from substance abuse and help them achieve their dreams of winning medals at national and international levels.”
Listing the facilities, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These grounds will act as a beacon of hope and opportunity for budding players and help promote sporting culture in the state.” The government is constructing these stadiums with fenced boundaries, perimeter plantations, and six-foot-wide walking tracks equipped with floodlights for early morning and evening use. They will have courts for volleyball, football and hockey, along with additional courts based on locally popular sports.”
₹1,791 crore allocated for the year 2026–27
He further said, “Likewise, a 400-metre, six-lane running track, high-capacity lighting with 2×250W LED lights, a submersible pump with a sprinkler system, concrete benches, a dedicated children’s play area, toilets for men and women, wheelchair ramps and storage facilities for sports equipment will also be provided. Special focus is also being laid on distributing sports kits and equipment, along with imparting quality training to the youth through highly professional coaches. The state has witnessed a historic increase in the sports budget, with ₹1,791 crore allocated for the year 2026–27.”
The Chief Minister said, “We introduced a new sports policy in 2023 and, for the first time, we are giving financial support for preparation, including ₹15 lakh for the Olympics and ₹8 lakh for the Asian Games. The government awarded ₹1 crore each to the Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey players and the Asian Games gold medallists. Similarly, we have given PCS and DSP jobs to nine Olympic medallists.” ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ has been able to foster sporting culture in the state.”
Five lakh players participated in 2024–25 and ₹97.3 crore has been spent over three years
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “We have organised these games for three years to prepare youth for national and international competitions. Five lakh players participated in 2024–25, and we have spent ₹97.3 crore over three years. People have widely acclaimed the Kila Raipur Rural Games, which have earned global recognition as the ‘Mini Olympics’.” . On July 11, 2025, the Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025. This enabled the revival of traditional rural sports such as bullock cart races and, after 2014, this year’s bullock cart races once again became a major attraction.”
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that, for the first time, Punjab has got the opportunity to hold an international event in the form of the Asian Cup Hockey and it is a big achievement in the field of sports. Despite strong Punjabi representation, Punjab had never hosted a major hockey tournament until now.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann noted, “For the first time, Punjab will host the Asian Champions Trophy in October. It is Asia’s most prestigious hockey tournament under which matches will be held at Balbir Singh Sr. Hockey Stadium and Surjit Hockey Stadium, Jalandhar.
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