Punjab Chief Minister Honors 1975 World Cup Winning Hockey Team
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Synopsis
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann highlighted his government's initiatives to promote sports by hosting national and international events, while honoring the 1975 World Cup-winning hockey team. He emphasized the importance of sports in uplifting youth and combating substance abuse.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab is set to host multiple national hockey leagues.
- New playgrounds and gyms will be established in villages.
- The government aims to increase the number of trained athletes.
- Punjab is the first state to fund players preparing for international events.
- Efforts are underway to restore Punjab's sports legacy.
Chandigarh, March 27 (NationPress) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Thursday that with the proactive measures taken by his administration, the state is set to host a series of national and international sports events aimed at enhancing the sporting culture. In his speech during a ceremony honoring the 1975 World Cup-winning hockey team and distributing cash awards to participants of national and state-level competitions, the Chief Minister stated that he has addressed this issue on multiple platforms, and positive outcomes are now evident.
"Punjab will soon be the venue for four national hockey leagues. Additionally, a variety of other esteemed events will be organized to uplift the sporting spirit in Punjab," he said.
Mann emphasized the need to divert youth from the drug menace by establishing playgrounds and gyms in every village across the state.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the government is spearheading a campaign to cultivate a greater number of trained athletes, aiming to see more Punjabi sportspeople representing India in international competitions.
He highlighted that Punjab is rich in sports talent and assured that his government would exhaust every effort to facilitate players in their quest for medals on the global stage.
He further noted that Punjab has become the first state in the nation to allocate funds for players preparing for international contests.
Mann stated that Punjab shares a deep-rooted connection with sports, leading to Punjabi athletes consistently showcasing their skills in various competitions.
While acknowledging the inherent talent among the youth, he pointed out that previous governments had neglected to provide necessary infrastructure. However, he assured that athletes are now being offered state-of-the-art facilities and top-notch infrastructure.
The Chief Minister expressed his dedication to reinstating Punjab’s prestigious legacy in sports, ensuring no effort is spared to achieve this goal.
He proudly mentioned that eight players from Punjab were part of the 1975 Indian hockey team, along with the coach and manager, who also hailed from the state.
The Chief Minister characterized the 1975 World Cup as a moment of national pride, being the only one won by India. He lamented that previous administrations had overlooked sports and athletes, whereas his government is focused on recognizing players and inspiring the youth.
This event is distinguished as it honors those who have raised the nation’s flag, and as a passionate sports enthusiast, the Chief Minister expressed his pride in attending.
He honored the members of the 1975 Indian hockey team and distributed cash prizes totaling Rs 3.99 crore to 107 players who participated in national games, along with Rs 9.65 crore awarded to 13,778 players who achieved medals in Khedan Watan Punjab Dian and Para Kheda Watan Punjab Dian.
