“Under the new sports policy of the Punjab government, that has been formulated to ensure promotion of sports, the government would fix 3% quota for sportspersons in all government jobs. Besides, the coaches giving good results would also be given cash awards.”This was stated by Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Punjab Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi while inaugurating 69th Senior Punjab basketball championship at Guru Nanak Stadium, here today. He was also accompanied by Cabinet Minister Mr Bharat Bhushan Ashu and MP Ravneet Singh Bittu.While giving further information about the sports policy, the minister said that to ensure that our sportspersons excel in national and international events, the state government would fix 3% quota in all government jobs and the state government would also ensure that these jobs come out of the purview of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC). He said that the Punjab Sports Department would do gradation of sportspersons and they would be given jobs based on it. He said that the sports policy also has a provision of providing cash awards to coaches as well.
Mr Sodhi stated that 40% of the prize money would be given to the coach separately. He said that the prize money for winners of Asian games and other international events has also been increased considerably. He said that the Punjab government is committed to providing world class sports facilities to the sportspersons so that they do not fall prey to While addressing the sportspersons, Mr Sodhi said that they should never feel demoralized due to failures, instead such instances should make them stronger. He said that sports inculcates discipline in the youth, which is key to a successful life.The Minister also appreciated the efforts of Punjab Basketball Association for producing national as well as international level basketball players. He also announced a grant of Rs 5 lakh from his discretionary funds. On the demand of association members, he also promised to get the basketball stadium, hostel and bathrooms repaired as well.Prominent among those present on the occasion included PBA Senior Vice President Mr Yurinder Singh Hayer, General Secretary Mr Teja Singh Dhaliwal, DCC (Urban) President Mr Gurpreet Singh Gogi, besides several others.