LUDHIANA, Feb 19: Addressing a massive gathering at the Kila Raipur Sports Rural Olympics on Thursday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann declared that “Sports are the most lethal weapon against the drug menace.” To support this vision, the Chief Minister announced that the state government will enhance the sports budget in the ensuing state session, aiming to provide modern athletic facilities to every village across Punjab.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the state is currently undergoing a “Yudh Nashean Virudh” (War Against Drugs), with sports serving as the primary defensive strategy. He stated that the New Sports Policy 2023 was designed specifically to restore Punjab’s historical sporting glory. “Our government has duly focused on this sector to channelize the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction,” the Chief Minister declared, adding that the state is now home to the country’s first Sports Medicine Cadre to support athletes.
A highlight of the event was the official resumption of bullock cart racing, which had been halted under previous tenures. CM Mann explained that legislative amendments made in 2025 paved the way for this cultural revival. He maintained that the return of these traditional sports is essential for keeping the youth connected to their roots and heritage. The Chief Minister also noted that the Kila Raipur track has historically hosted legends like Dhyan Chand and Milkha Singh, a legacy his administration seeks to perpetuate.
In addition to sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister detailed several local improvements, including ₹30 crore for the renovation of the Dehlon to Pakhowal road and the installation of floodlights in the stadium. He affirmed that his government is committed to saving public funds by eliminating corruption and redirecting those resources into social welfare schemes like the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna.
CM Mann also touched upon the state’s cultural pride, asserting that a request has been made to the Centre to name the Halwara Airport after Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha. He stated that this move, along with existing airports named after Gurus and martyrs, would seamlessly link Punjab’s modern infrastructure with its spiritual and revolutionary history.
