The State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is committed to bring in a new comprehensive and effective sports policy to create a sports-friendly environment in the state and to make Punjab the number one state in sports. It was stated by Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer in his address while inaugurating the 8th Punjab State Gatka Championship at Gurudwara Ishar Prakash Ratwara Sahib here today.
The Sports Minister said that Gatka is a Martial Art Sport inherited from the Gurus, which has now been included in the National Games. With this decision, Gatka will reach even higher as a sport. Recently in the Khelo India Games, players from Punjab showed the best performance in Gatka and contributed a lot to the overall medal tally of Punjab.
He said that the sports department will provide all possible help to promote this Martial Art Sport. Meet Hayer said that the state government is making efforts to make the state number one again in sports. On the instructions of the Chief Minister, an effective new sports policy is being made which will promote sports culture in the state.
Arranging coaches for the preparation of the players, increasing the diet amount, giving jobs to the players in addition to cash prizes, giving awards to the coaches etc. will be the main features of the new sports policy. The Sports Minister said that Punjab has a rich heritage in sports and has given the country great players whose records have not been broken till date.
There is no shortage of skills in Punjab, the only need is to identify and nurture this skill. He said that the state government is making efforts to create a sports-friendly environment in Punjab and also to take the youth to the sports fields.
Earlier, welcoming the Sports Minister, Rajinder Singh Sohal, President of Punjab Gatka Association said that in the 3-day 8th Punjab State Gatka Championship, about 800 boys and girls are participating in Under 14, 17, 19, 22, 25 and 28 categories.
On this occasion, Ratwara Sahib Trust Chairman Baba Lakhveer Singh blessed the players. Devinder Singh Jugni was also present on this occasion.