Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab state games will be organized from 14th February till 19th February in various cities across Punjab, which would see participation of 9700 male and female players.Disclosing this, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, S. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also holds sports portfolio, said that state government had spent more than Rs. 220 crore on developing and strengthening sports infrastructure in state through construction of hockey Astroturf, multipurpose sports stadia and sports hostels. He also announced that winning players of these games would get prizes more than worth Rs. 3 crore.Divulging more, he said that this sports extravaganza would be held across stadiums of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Bathinda, Sri Anandpur Sahib, S.A.S. Nagar and Sangrur. Events of Basketball, Football, Handball and Cycling would be held at Ludhiana whereas Jalandhar would host Hockey (Men), Badminton and Shooting competitions.
Giving more details, S. Badal said that Patiala would play host to events of Weightlifting, Volleyball, Gymnastic, Fencing, Archery and Sri Anandpur Sahib would see players showcasing their talent in Boxing, Judo and Wrestling. Events of Swimming, Table Tennis and Hockey (Women) would take place in S.A.S. Nagar while Sangrur would host competitions in Athletics, Kho-Kho, Roller Skating and Kabaddi National and Circle style events would take place in Bathinda.He further said that each player of gold medal winning team would get prize of Rs. 25,000, second position would get Rs. 17,000 each while players of team coming at third place would get Rs. 12,000 each. He also informed that each participant player would be given a sports kit and Punjab government would bear all expenses of players taking part in these games with regard to boarding and lodging, refreshments and ferrying players to and from competition venues. He also said that around 1600 officials have been assigned different duties for smooth conduct of these games.