Sangrur, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that developing sports infrastructure in villages was an important part of the state government’s efforts to combat drug abuse and secure the future of its youth.
Dedicating a newly constructed sports ground to the public, he said playgrounds were being developed as centres of discipline, positive energy and community participation to encourage youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Mann said the fight against drugs required more than enforcement and called for a sustained social movement in which sports could play a key role. He said the government was working to channelise young people’s energy towards sports, fitness and constructive activities.
“We firmly believe that every village must have a good school for education and a well-equipped playground for sports. Our objective is to ensure that youngsters hold sports equipment in their hands instead of falling into the trap of drugs,” he said.
The newly developed playground has been constructed at a cost of ₹67.16 lakh. It features a volleyball court, football ground, six-lane 400-metre running track, cricket pitch, chain-link fencing, boundary wall and other essential facilities.
The Chief Minister said the infrastructure would provide aspiring sportspersons with an opportunity to develop their skills and pursue their ambitions at higher levels. He described the playground as a platform for emerging players to turn their sporting aspirations into reality.
Mann said playgrounds were not merely spaces for sports but also centres of social interaction that promoted unity, brotherhood, teamwork, discipline and mutual respect among young people.
“Every playground that comes up in Punjab is a strong blow against the drug menace and a step towards securing the future of our youth,” he said.
Referring to the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, he said concerted efforts were being made to make sports an integral part of young people’s lives. He added that the government was committed to providing quality educational and sporting infrastructure in rural areas so that talent was not held back by a lack of facilities.
Mann said Punjab had a glorious sporting legacy and his government wanted to restore the state’s position as a leading sporting powerhouse. He stressed that children from every economic background and geographical location should have equal access to quality sports facilities.
Calling investment in playgrounds an investment in the health, character and future of the younger generation, he expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated facility would become a hub of sporting activities and inspire more youngsters to take up sports.
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