Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal today asked the Sports Department to finalise the recruitment process of 125 world renowned Punjabi sportspersons in the state to give a new fillip to the sports culture in the state besides announcing to host Bhagat Singh Punjab Games this year. While presiding over a meeting with the office bearers of Punjab Olympic Association, Mr. Badal also announced a grant of Rs. 2 lakh each to Sports Association affiliated with POA. Deputy CM flanked by Former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha Member Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Punjab Rural Development Minister Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Finance Minister Mr. Parminder Singh Dhindsa also emphasised the need to revamp the stadiums and sports infrastructure in the districts to ensure quality sports training.Besides hosting Shaheed Bhagat Singh Punjab State Games by Punjab Olympic Association, Mr. Badal said that Punjab government will host East Punjab and West Punjab Sports tourney in this year. He said that in this tournament matches of five traditional games would be organised across the state. He issued directions to Sports Department to chalk out a roadmap in this regard so the event could be hosted as soon as possible.
Announcing that international sportspersons serving in various departments of Punjab under sports category will be brought in Punjab Institute of Sports, Mr. Badal asked Secretary Sports to complete the process in this regard so that efforts of state for promotion of sports could be accelerated. Mr. Badal said that the vast experience and energy of these sports persons could take the sports vision of state to new heights.On the demand put forth by Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa regarding maintenance of Sports Infrastructure being built in the state, Mr. Badal asked the Secretary Sports to prepare a detailed chart of stadiums in the state. He said that the stadiums would be revamped at par with world class stadiums. Mr. Badal also said that coaches having international acclaim as well as serving in services/boards would also be recruited for the purpose of training to the budding sports stars in all districts.
On the proposal of Mr. Dhindsa, Mr. Badal also assured to roll out NRI matching grant policy for building Sports infrastructure in the state. He said that Punjab government will soon come out with a policy in this regard.Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Mr. N.S. Kalsi, IAS, Vice President of Punjab Olympic Association, Mr. Raja K.S. Sidhu, Secretary General of POA, Mr. P.S. Virk, Treasurer and Mr. P.S. Kumedan, Life Member of POA, Secretary Sports Mr. Ashok Gupta, Director Sports Mr. Tejinder Singh Dhaliwal.
Deputy CM Announces Rs. 2 Lakh for Olympian Hardyal Singh
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal also announced Rs. 2 lakh monetary assistance for Olympian Hardyal Singh, presently residing in Dehradun, who has been bed ridden for a couple of months due to some ailments. Mr. Badal asked Secretary sports to release the monetary help for the treatment of such a sports legend. It is pertinent here that Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and Mr. Raja K. S. Sidhu apprised Mr. Badal about the critical situation of Mr. Hardyal Singh.This sports legend played in the Olympics in 1956, when Olympian Senior Balbir Singh got injuries during the match and he was replaced by Hardyal Singh, who made 5 goals. In his Olympic career he made 19 goals and given excellent performance. Mr. Badal said that assisting such legends was the primary and moral responsibility of ours, who made laurels for our state and nation.