Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries Minister S. Gurmeet Singh Khudian inaugurated the 17th Athletics Meet of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University at the PAU Athletic Track on Wednesday. After unfurling the flag, the Cabinet Minister highlighted that Punjab is emerging as a sports hub in the country due to the state government's proactive efforts to strengthen sports culture at the grassroots level through the annual Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan initiative.
He noted that these games, conceived by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, aim to promote sports culture among the youth. He expressed confidence that the games will contribute to restoring the glory of sports in the state and provide opportunities for young athletes to excel.
The Minister also emphasized that the state government is making every effort to promote sports across Punjab to channel the youth's unbounded energy positively. He acknowledged the region's abundant talent but stressed the necessity for improved infrastructure and facilities, which the state government is actively working to provide.
Khudian also mentioned that sports do improve the health and confidence of students. It promotes good habits and inculcates better values in a person. He exhorted them to do more hard work to excel in their respective fields.
The Minister also announced a grant of Rs one lakh from his own discretionary funds. Vice-Chancellor Jatinder Paul Singh Gill also told that varsity always promotes the spirit of games amongst their students to keep them healthy and in high spirits.