Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today pledged to develop Punjab as a front runner state in the field of sports and revive hockey also.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating world class international standard hockey stadium opposite PCA in Sector 63 here, the Chief Minister said that his government was committed to raise the profile of kabaddi and hockey which had lost its sheen with the passage of time.
He said concerted efforts have been made by his government to popularise Kabbadi at the world level by organizing World Kabaddi Cups.
Badal said that his government would focus towards promotion of hockey in a big way so that Punjab can once again shine in this traditional sport.
Recalling the contribution of ace hockey players like Olympian Balbir Singh Senior and others, the Chief Minister said that they had brought laurels for the country in general and made Punjab proud in particular.
He said that the newly built stadium would provide opportunities for young hockey Players to excel and the portraits of the stalwarts of Punjab displayed in the stadium would give inspiration to the future generations.
Badal said that the Punjab was the only state in the country to have announced its sports policy, adding that the state government had given jobs to a number of sportspersons who have excelled in the various national and international events.
The Chief Minister added that all out efforts were being made by the state government to uplift the sports infrastructure for which Rs 200 crore was being spent. He said six world class hockey stadiums, along with 10 multi-purpose stadiums, were under construction which would give a major fillip to sports in the state.
