Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday, 30 June inaugurated an Olympic-standard swimming pool in Sangrur, built at a cost of ₹9.50 crore, declaring the district poised to become a breeding ground for Asian, World, and Olympic champions. The facility, developed to international specifications, is among the most technologically advanced public swimming complexes in the country.

Pool Specifications and Infrastructure

The pool measures 50 metres by 21 metres, with a depth ranging from 4.5 feet to 7.5 feet and a water-holding capacity of 2.5 lakh litres. It has been constructed using Myrtha RenovAction and Classic Modular System technology, featuring laminated PVC and stainless-steel panels. A filtration and disinfection system compliant with European standards has been installed to ensure water safety.

The complex also includes separate shower facilities, changing rooms, dedicated coach rooms, storage rooms, and a modern gymnasium for muscle conditioning. A mini swimming pool has been developed exclusively for children below the age of seven.

Punjab's Sports Budget Push

Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, Mann highlighted the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's commitment to sports infrastructure, noting that Punjab's sports budget has been raised from under ₹200 crore under previous administrations to ₹1,790 crore. He added that the state has secured the opportunity to host the Asian Hockey Championship Trophy for the first time and is preparing to launch dedicated cricket and hockey premier leagues to cultivate international-level talent.

'This swimming pool will serve as a nursery for our future Olympians,' Mann said, positioning the Sangrur facility as a cornerstone of the state's broader sporting ambitions.

Government's Vision for Sangrur

Mann appealed to parents across Sangrur and surrounding areas to encourage their children to take up sports, assuring them that the government would ensure no shortage of facilities or funds. He described the inauguration as a moment of immense pride for the district's youth.

Notably, this investment comes as Punjab seeks to reclaim its historical stature as the country's premier sporting state — a reputation built on decades of hockey dominance but one that had dimmed in recent years amid infrastructure neglect and budget cuts under earlier governments.

What Comes Next

With the pool now operational, state sports authorities are expected to begin talent identification and structured coaching programmes in Sangrur. The planned cricket and hockey premier leagues, once launched, could provide competitive exposure that complements the new infrastructure. Whether this investment translates into medal-winning athletes will depend on the quality of coaching and long-term programme continuity.