Punjab to Build 3,083 Modern Playgrounds in First Phase

From the dusty fields of rural Punjab to future-ready Astroturf grounds, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday announced a bold new initiative aimed at transforming the lives of the state’s youth through sports. In a major move to curb drug addiction and rekindle Punjab’s sporting spirit, the State Government will build modern sports grounds in all 13,000 villages — with work already underway in 3,083 villages under the first phase.

Unveiling the plan during a press conference at his official residence, Mann declared that the youth of Punjab need more than lectures — they need real opportunities, real playgrounds, and real mentors. “Idle mind is the devil’s workshop. We are replacing despair with discipline, drugs with determination,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that sports will now be at the heart of Punjab’s fight against drugs. “When youth are busy chasing goals on the field, they won't chase substances in the streets,” he remarked.

Sports, Not Substances

Mann said that despite Punjab's legacy of producing sporting icons, previous governments failed to provide even basic infrastructure in villages. “Today, we are taking sports back to where it belongs — to the grassroots. From cricket pitches to kabaddi courts, from synthetic athletic tracks to Astroturfs — every village will have its own sports identity,” he said.

The project is not just about building grounds; it’s about building futures. The government has outlined a five-pillar strategy to ensure the success of this ambitious campaign, forming the backbone of its sports-driven anti-drug mission — combating drugs with constructive engagement; medal-winning athletes to train the next generation; world-class infrastructure in villages; funding for preparation and not just celebration; and dedicated sports nurseries with hostels and mess facilities.

Mann said that the state government will focus on combating drug addiction through constructive engagement, channelizing the energy of youth into meaningful sporting activities. “The medal-winning athletes — those who have represented India at national and international levels — will be appointed as coaches to mentor and inspire the next generation,” he said.

Efforts will also be made to create world-class sports infrastructure in villages, including synthetic athletic tracks, Astroturf grounds, and courts for various games, bringing professional-level facilities to rural doorsteps. The financial support will not just be provided as reward but as investment, with the state offering Rs eight to 10 lakh to promising athletes even at the preparation stage to ensure no talent is held back due to lack of resources, Mann added.

The government also envisioned setting up dedicated sports nurseries for every four-five villages, complete with hostels, messes, and residential facilities for coaches — transforming these clusters into structured training hubs focused on the most popular local sports. “These nurseries will focus on the most popular regional sport, creating local centres of excellence,” said Mann.

Villages and NRIs Join In

The Chief Minister noted that village panchayats have come forward to donate land, while many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) have also pledged support — both land and funds — for building these grounds. “This is a people’s mission. The response has been overwhelming. Everyone wants to be part of this sporting revolution,” he said.

Targets Majithia

When asked about senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Mann dismissed the politics, saying, “He has nothing to do with sports. In fact, we’re building these grounds to protect our youth from people like him.” He urged the media to focus on issues that matter to Punjab’s growth and future.

Himself a sports enthusiast, Mann said Punjab is witnessing a transformation. “We have already produced champions like Harbhajan Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Shubman Gill, and Harmanpreet Kaur despite the system’s failure. Imagine the talent we’ll unlock when we give them the right facilities and guidance,” he said.

“The supply chains of narcotics have been disrupted, and many young people are beginning to overcome addiction. The ultimate objective is to free Punjab’s youth from the grip of drugs and make them a partner in socio-economic development of the state,” said Mann, praising the Punjab Police “for their outstanding work in dismantling drug networks”.

“The state government is committed to create an environment where many more such talents can flourish. I am confident that this initiative will act as a catalyst in shaping a “Rangla Punjab” — a vibrant, progressive Punjab,” said Mann, adding that this is essential for the holistic development of the state and the prosperity of its people.

Punjab’s Village Sports Mission

•         Over 13,000 across Punjab to covered

•         3,083 modern grounds under construction in Phase-I

•         Govt to build astroturfs, synthetic tracks, kabaddi and volleyball courts

•         National, international medal winners to train next-gen youth

•         Rs 8-10 lakh financial aid to athletes for preparation ahead of competition

•         Sports nurseries to be set up with hostel, mess, coach accommodation

•         Panchayats and NRIs offering land and funds