Jalandhar, Oct 27, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema today said that the state was emerging as a sports hub of the country with Punjab Government’s proactive approach to further strengthen our sports culture at grass route level.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, the Minister presided over the finals of the prestigious Olympian Surjit Hockey Tournament, reaffirming the state government’s dedication to bolstering Punjab’s sports infrastructure.
The final match was played between Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited which saw a breathtaking fight for the medal between both the teams. Addressing an enthusiastic gathering during closing ceremony of 41th edition of tournament , the Minister highlighted Punjab’s deep-rooted sports culture, emphasizing the need to preserve and promote sports in every nook and corner of the state, especially our traditional sports that have long defined the region’s identity.
Mr. Cheema underscored the Punjab Government’s initiative, Khedan Watan Punjab Dian, which has garnered participation from people across all segments, marking a new chapter in Punjab’s sports landscape.
“Making sports an integral part of our lives is essential. Our villages have always been the heart of traditional sports, and it’s time we amplify this heritage,” he said.
As a part of the state’s commitment, the Minister announced a discretionary grant of Rs. 25 lakhs for the Olympian Surjit Hockey Society to support its ongoing efforts in promoting hockey and nurturing future talent. He also promised another grant worth Rs. 25 lakh during the next financial year.
He assured continued government support for the society’s future endeavors and lauded its consistent efforts to hold the tournament annually, which has earned it worldwide recognition.
He states that the Punjab Government has decided to open up as many as 1000 sports nurseries in the state which will further give a fillip to the sports legacy of the state. The Minister also honoured those who have played a vital role in promoting sports activities. He also had a interaction with the players of competing teams.
The Surjit Hockey Society has been organizing a hockey tournament for the past 41 years in memory of the country’s great player, Olympian Surjit Singh. This tournament is dedicated to India’s national sport, hockey.
The Minister also said that it is a matter of pride for us that the Indian hockey team won a bronze medal in the Paris Olympics this time.
This team included 10 players from Punjab, including the captain. The government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann gave each hockey player 1 crore rupees. Additionally, in recent times, 9 hockey players were given PCS and DSP jobs.
Today, the players of the 1975 Hockey World Cup-winning Indian team are being honored, he said adding this includes the team’s captain, Padma Shri Ajit Pal Singh, Brigadier Harcharan Singh, Ashok Kumar Dhyan Chand, and Aslam Sher Khan.
He said that late Surjit Singh was also a member of the 1975 World Cup-winning team. Known as a renowned full-back player in Indian hockey, Surjit Singh sadly passed away on January 7, 1984, in a tragic road accident.
He mentioned that the Surjit Hockey Society, established in the memory of this great player, has been serving the sport of hockey for the past 41 years, and the officials of the society deserve congratulations for this dedication.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Cum President Olympian Surjit Hockey Society welcomed the Chief Guest upon his arrival at the the stadium. The President also honoured the 1975 hockey wold cup winner team. Meanwhile, Punjabi Singer Jasbir Jassi captivated the audience with his remarkable performance.
Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Chairman Milkfed Narinder Singh Shergill, Chairman District Planning Committee Amritpal Singh, Chairman Punjab Agri Export Corporation Limited Mangal Singh, Senior AAP Leader Deepak Bali, Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, Pawan Tinu, NRI Amolak Singh Gakhal, and office bearers of Olympian Surjit Hockey Society
