The Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched an ambitious initiative to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote a healthy lifestyle among rural youth. As part of this initiative, 500 modern rural gyms have been dedicated to the people across Punjab, with 25 villages in Barnala district receiving gyms in the first phase.
Inaugurating a rural gym at Bhure village, Member of Parliament (Sangrur) Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said the government's vision is to create a healthier and drug-free Punjab by providing quality sports facilities in villages. He said that along with the construction of playgrounds worth crores of rupees, modern gym equipment is also being made available to encourage fitness among young people.
Meet Hayer informed that out of the 25 gyms established in Barnala district during the first phase, 11 are located in Barnala Assembly constituency. He informed that the villages covered under the first phase include Bhaini Mehraj, Jhaloor, Harigarh, Dhangarh, Patti Sekhwan, Upli, Sekha, Nangal, Bhure, Badbar, Bhathlan, Naiwala, Gill Patti Maur, Ugoke, Sukhpura, Mehta, Jangiana, Badra, Alkara, Pandher, Aspal Kalan, Bhaini Jassa, Rudeke Kalan, Pirtha Patti Dhurkot and Dhaula, where modern rural gyms have been established.
He added that these gyms have been equipped with high-quality fitness equipment, including barbell and weight sets, dumbbell sets, bench sets, rack sets, floor mats, and kettlebell sets, providing rural youth with access to modern strength and fitness training facilities. The MP further stated that the Punjab Government has set a target of developing 94 sports grounds in Barnala district at an estimated cost of ₹25 crore.
Of these, 15 playgrounds have already been completed while work on the remaining grounds is progressing rapidly. He added that the Mann Government has allocated the highest-ever sports budget of ₹1,791 crore significantly higher than previous governments.
With this record allocation, the state is developing 3,000 modern rural gyms and 3,100 sports grounds across Punjab to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure. Meet Hayer said these rural gyms will serve as centres for fitness, discipline and positive engagement, helping steer young people away from drug abuse while encouraging them to adopt healthy lifestyles and participate in sports.
Meanwhile, at Badra village Amrit Dhilwan, Chairman of the Market Committee, inaugurated another rural gym on behalf of Bhadaur MLA Labh Singh Ugoke. He said that 13 villages in the Bhadaur Assembly constituency have received gyms in the first phase.
He expressed confidence that these facilities would play a significant role in promoting physical fitness and supporting the government's efforts to keep youth away from drugs while building a healthier future.