In its efforts to popularise sports among the state youth, Punjab Government has increased its sports budget to Rs 142 crore. Earlier budget for the Sports Department was just Rs 12 crore.
“Punjab is laying more stress on sports and budget of Sports department has been enhanced to Rs 142 crore from the earlier budget of Rs 12 crore,” said State Education Minister Sikander Singh Maluka after inaugurating the Tuesday matches at outdoor stadium in Hoshiarpur. Maluka said that Punjab has enhanced the prize money for Olympic Gold Winner to Rs 2.5 crore from Rs 1 crore.
He said that due to the efforts of the Punjab Government, Kabaddi has now got international status and it is because of the Punjab Government that 20 teams of 14 countries are participating in this tournament. Buoyed over the State’s performance at the National School Games concluded at Bathinda recently, Maluka also announced holiday in all schools on Wednesday.
“All schools in Punjab would remain closed on December 4, as Punjab has bagged overall trophy in National School Games,” he said. In Tuesday’s matches, USA registered decisive win by crushing Kenya 68–13, whereas Indian eves maintained their winning campaign by crushing Kenyan team by 56–21. The most thrilling match was played between India and Spain where Indian team defeated Spain by 55–27.