*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurates 250 Pendu Khed Maidan with world-class facilities, says international-level athletes will emerge from Punjab’s villages*

*3,100 Pendu Khed Maidans are being developed across Punjab, and all will be inaugurated in phased manner by July 15: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*AAP Govt’s objective is to keep youth away from drugs & nurture athletes capable of competing at national and international levels: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*All Pendu Khed Maidans will have floodlights, walking & running tracks, and courts for volleyball, football, and hockey: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our govt will provide sports equipment, coaches, and free training to players at every rural sports ground: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*For first time, Punjab has been given opportunity to host Asian Hockey Championship trophy, which will be held in October: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Earlier, sports budget used to be less than ₹200 crore, whereas our govt has allocated ₹1,790 crore: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Traditional Kila Raipur bullock cart race, known as ‘Pind Olympics’, has been revived through legal amendments: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Previous govts used to claim treasury was empty; our govt is carrying out development worth crores in every village from same treasury: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann connects with village athletes, distributes kits & joins female athletes on volleyball court*

SAS NAGAR (MOHALI); 4th May 2026:Punjab’s villages are being put at the centre of a sweeping sports transformation, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurating 250 ‘Pendu Khed Maidans’ (rural sports grounds) equipped with world-class facilities and laying out an ambitious roadmap to develop 3,100 such grounds across the state by July 15. Declaring sports as a direct response to the challenge of drug abuse among youth, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, is not just building infrastructure but backing it with free training, professional coaches, and fully equipped grounds designed to produce athletes capable of competing at national and international levels.

The scale of investment underlines this shift, with the sports budget rising from under ₹200 crore earlier to ₹1,790 crore, alongside efforts to revive Punjab’s sporting legacy through the return of the Kila Raipur ‘Pind Olympics’. With Punjab also set to host the Asian Hockey Championship for the first time, the Bhagwant Mann government is signalling a clear intent to place the state firmly on the national and global sports map while driving development in every village from the same treasury that previous governments had claimed was empty.

After inaugurating 250 newly constructed Pendu Khed Maidans, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the AAP Government is undertaking a large-scale push to transform the state’s sports ecosystem, with a clear focus on steering youth away from drugs and channelising their energy into productive avenues. “Promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the state government’s crusade against drugs. With the promotion of sports, the unbounded energy of the youth is being utilised for excelling in sports. The youth who are involved in sports have no time even to look at drugs because they are using all their might to excel in their respective fields,” he said.

He added, “This will go a long way in eliminating the curse of drugs from the state and making the youth an equal partner in socio-economic development.”

Detailing the масштаб of the initiative, the Chief Minister said, “With the objective of ensuring a healthy body and a sound mind, the Punjab Government is developing 3,100 Pendu Khed Maidans equipped with modern facilities across the state in the first phase, at a cost of ₹1,250 crore. Out of these, 250 grounds are being dedicated to the public today, and all 3,100 will be dedicated by July 15.” He further outlined the phased rollout, stating, “250 grounds have been dedicated today, 500 will be dedicated on May 15, 250 on May 31, 500 on June 15, 1,000 on June 30 and 600 on July 15.”

Emphasising the role of these grounds in the anti-drug campaign, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “These Pendu Khed Maidans will play a revolutionary role in the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. They will encourage youth to stay away from substance abuse and help them achieve their dreams of winning medals at national and international levels. These grounds will act as a beacon of hope and opportunity for budding players and will promote sports culture in Punjab.”

Highlighting the facilities, he said, “Each ground will have fenced boundaries with plantation along the perimeter and a six-foot-wide walking track with floodlights for early morning and evening use. There will be courts for volleyball, football, and hockey along with additional courts based on locally popular sports.” He added, “Facilities will also include a 400-metre six-lane running track, high-capacity lighting, submersible pumps with sprinkler systems, concrete benches, children’s play areas, toilets for men and women, wheelchair ramps, and storage for sports equipment.”

On training and support, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Special focus is being laid on distributing sports kits and equipment and imparting quality training to the youth. Football and volleyball coaches will be appointed at all grounds, and free training will be provided to children so that they can excel at national and international levels.” He further said, “Village Sports and Fitness Committees will be formed for maintenance of these grounds.”

Underlining the financial commitment, he said, “The state has witnessed a historic increase in the sports budget, with ₹1,791 crore allocated for 2026–27. A new sports policy introduced in 2023 ensures financial support for preparation, including ₹15 lakh for Olympics and ₹8 lakh for Asian Games.” He added, “Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey players were awarded ₹1 crore each, Asian Games gold medallists were also awarded ₹1 crore each, and nine Olympic medalists have been given PCS and DSP jobs.”

Speaking about grassroots participation, the Chief Minister said, “‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ has fostered a strong sports culture in the state. These games were organised for three years to prepare youth for national and international competitions, with 5 lakh players participating in 2024–25 and ₹97.3 crore spent over three years.”

On reviving traditional sports, he said, “Kila Raipur Rural Games have earned global recognition as the ‘Mini Olympics’. On July 11, 2025, the Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, enabling the revival of traditional rural sports such as bullock cart races. After 2014, this year’s races once again became a major attraction.”

Highlighting Punjab’s growing stature in sports, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride that for the first time Punjab has got the opportunity to host an international event in the form of the Asian Champions Trophy Hockey. Despite strong Punjabi representation, Punjab had never hosted a major hockey tournament until now. Matches will be held at Balbir Singh Sr. Hockey Stadium and Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.”

*CM Bhagwant Singh Mann connects with village athletes, distributes kits & joins women players on the volleyball court*

Adding a personal and encouraging touch to the event, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann interacted closely with young athletes from the village, distributed sports kits, and felicitated them for their enthusiasm and dedication towards sports. In a gesture that drew appreciation from the gathering, he also actively joined women athletes on the volleyball court, playing alongside them and motivating them to pursue sports with confidence and commitment.

The Bhagwant Mann government’s focus is not just on building infrastructure but also on fostering confidence, inclusion, and a strong sporting culture at the grassroots level.

Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and others were also present on the occasion.

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*BJP’s hands drenched in blood of 700 farmers, Punjab will not forget farm law humiliation: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*BJP should forget forming govt in Punjab: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Our Govt brought historic bill to ensure no one dares commit ‘beadbi’, Zero tolerance for attempts to insult to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*Traditional parties misled people for years, now pushed into political oblivion: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

*990 Aam Aadmi Clinics, ₹10 lakh health cover, ₹1,000 to women, free electricity, AAP Govt delivering pro-people schemes: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann*

SAS Nagar (Mohali); 4 May 2026:Lashing out at BJP for meting out step motherly treatment with the state, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the saffron party can win from any state in the country but it should never dream of winning from this land of great Gurus, saints, seers, prophets and martyrs.

Interacting with media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, "The people of Punjab are well aware of the dubious character of the BJP and they will definitely teach it a lesson, as Punjabis can never forget how the food growers of the state were humiliated during the protest against the farm laws, and the hands of the BJP were drenched with the blood of more than 700 farmers who attained martyrdom during this agitation."

Highlighting the party’s record in Punjab, the Punjab CM said, "Though the BJP is buoyed over electoral gains in some states, as far as Punjab is concerned there is a long saga of injustice and step motherly treatment, as it wants to deprive Punjab of Panjab University, Chandigarh, Bhakra Dam and every legitimate right, and has stalled the legitimate share of grants of the state just to jeopardize Punjab’s development."

Dismissing BJP’s prospects in the state, he continued, "Rather than building castles in the air, the BJP leadership should forget that it will ever assume power in Punjab as its sins against the state and its people are unpardonable, and with what face will it come to Punjab when its leaders have never raised the issues of the state and its people, as the brave and wise people of Punjab will never forget these misdeeds and will teach them a befitting lesson."

Listing healthcare achievements, the Chief Minister added, "A total of 990 Aam Aadmi Clinics are providing free treatment across the state and this number will soon reach 1400, with 107 medicines and 47 types of diagnostic tests available free of cost, strengthening people’s trust in government healthcare institutions, as thousands of people visit these clinics daily and the OPD has already crossed 5 crore."

Highlighting universal healthcare coverage, the he further added, "To provide comprehensive healthcare, the state government has launched Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, the first scheme of its kind in the country that provides cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh for every resident family, bringing immense pride as it reduces financial burden and ensures quality healthcare, with every family entitled to these free facilities and encouraged to enrol."

"The state government has started Mawan Dhiyan Satikar Yojna under which every woman will get ₹1,000 per month and women from Scheduled Castes will get ₹1,500 per month, with funds directly transferred to bank accounts and even those already receiving social security pensions being eligible, benefiting 97 percent of women with ₹9,300 crore allocated,” he shared.

Detailing irrigation initiatives, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "The Punjab government has laid 14,000 kilometres of pipes and watercourses to support farmers across every corner of the state, releasing 21,000 cusecs of water which is equal to the supply of two Bhakra canals, significantly helping farmers meet their irrigation needs. Recharge points have been created in canals and rivers to enhance water levels by two to four metres, ensuring the wellbeing of future generations as Punjab’s existence depends on water, and the tax money of the people is being judiciously spent on welfare, with people’s money returning to them through development, schools, hospitals and roads."

Listing governance achievements, he continued, "The state government is working for the people by providing free electricity to 90 percent households, giving over 65,000 jobs without corruption, improving roads, closing toll plazas to save ₹70 lakh daily, and building infrastructure, while emphasising that no freebee or concession can eliminate poverty and only education can uplift people and improve their standard of living."

On education and agriculture, the Chief Minister said, "Due to the efforts of the state government, students of government schools are excelling in exams like JEE and NEET, and for the first time in history uninterrupted power supply of more than eight hours has been given to farm tube wells during paddy season, with daytime electricity for irrigation transforming farmers’ lives, as every penny of the state exchequer is being used for public welfare."

Attacking traditional parties, he asserted, "Leaders of traditional parties had misled people for a long time but now people are not being influenced by their propaganda, as they have been ousted despite living in palatial houses during their time in power, marking a new era where those once considered invincible have been pushed into political oblivion."

On accountability and ‘beadbi’, Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "People have taught a befitting lesson to such arrogant leaders who never cared for the common man and remained confined within their grand residences, and those who sought votes in the name of Gurbani committed grave disrespect as incidents of ‘beadbi' (sacrilege) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji took place during their tenure without action against the culprits."

"The government has passed the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar Amendment Act 2026 unanimously, which provides harsher punishment and will end such incidents in future by ensuring no one dares to commit this heinous crime, as these acts were part of a deep conspiracy to disturb peace, brotherhood and communal harmony,” he stated.

The Punjab Chief Minister added, "Anyone found guilty of this unpardonable offence will not be spared and strict action will be taken as a deterrent, as Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji is revered as the father of every Sikh and it is the duty of the government to ensure its safety, with people across the world appreciating this historic step."

Bhagwant Singh Mann said, "The Badal family is opposing this Act, which is unfortunate as they are indulging in politics even on such an issue, while he will undertake a Shukrana Yatra from Sri Anandpur Sahib from May 6 to May 9 to pay obeisance at Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib, Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Damdama Sahib, Mastauana Sahib, Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib and Sri Fatehgarh Sahib to thank the Almighty."

He feels fortunate to commemorate the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur ji and the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass ji, and the government will celebrate this occasion in an unparalleled manner to spread Guru ji’s message of equality across the globe.

Highlighting ongoing celebrations, the Punjab Chief Minister said, "Year long events have begun to celebrate the 650th Prakash Purab of Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj ji, who preached the welfare of humanity and equality, envisioning a society free from suffering, and the government has sought blessings and suggestions from Sant Samaj to organise these celebrations globally."

He concluded by stating, "It is a matter of immense pride that these celebrations are being held during his tenure and the government will ensure they are conducted with full religious fervour, while representatives of Sant Samaj have been urged to guide and contribute to shaping these programmes.”

On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond and others were also present.