Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has honoured 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh awardees and 1,070 medal-winning athletes with a total cash prize of ₹32.05 crore, marking one of the largest sports felicitation events in the state’s history.
During the grand ceremony held at the Municipal Bhawan, Sector 35, Chandigarh, the Chief Minister also unveiled major policy decisions aimed at transforming Punjab into a global sports powerhouse.
Record ₹32.05 Crore Prize Money for Top Athletes
The Punjab government awarded athletes across multiple disciplines, including:
- 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award winners
- 1,070 national and international medal winners
Each Maharaja Ranjit Singh awardee received ₹5 lakh along with a blazer, citation scroll, and memento, while medal winners received varying cash incentives based on achievements.
The total ₹32.05 crore distribution highlights the government’s renewed focus on recognising sporting excellence.
Record ₹1,763 Crore Sports Budget for 2026–27
CM Bhagwant Mann announced a historic ₹1,763 crore sports budget for FY 2026–27, aimed at strengthening Punjab’s sports ecosystem from grassroots to international level.
Key highlights include:
- ₹1,300 crore allocated for rural sports infrastructure
- Development of 3,148 rural sports grounds
- Expansion of training and athlete support systems
The Chief Minister said the initiative will help identify and nurture talent from villages across Punjab.
Massive Rural Sports Infrastructure Push
The government will develop 3,148 modern sports grounds across villages, designed to provide world-class facilities for emerging athletes.
In addition:
- 6,000 villages will receive gym facilities
- 17,000 sports kits will be distributed
- Sports nurseries and coaching centres will be expanded
This is part of a long-term plan to build a strong pipeline of future champions.
Direct Financial Support and Pre-Event Assistance for Athletes
Punjab has also introduced a proactive support model for athletes, including:
- ₹8.61 crore provided to 220 athletes for competition preparation
- ₹15 crore transferred via DBT for sports equipment and training
- Pre-tournament financial assistance instead of post-victory rewards
CM Mann said this ensures athletes are supported before competitions, not just after winning medals.
India-Pakistan Match and Asian Champions Trophy to Be Hosted in Punjab
Punjab will host the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, a major milestone for the state’s sporting profile.
CM Mann also announced that a high-profile India vs Pakistan match will be held on Punjab Day during the tournament, strengthening the state’s global sporting visibility.
Honouring Punjab’s Sporting Legends
The ceremony also recognised top athletes including:
- Olympic hockey stars like Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Varun Kumar, and others
- Cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol, and Amanjot Kaur
- World champions in shooting, athletics, para sports, and kabaddi
Several athletes received government jobs as part of sports promotion policies.
Focus on Employment and Sports Cadres
The Punjab government has created:
- “Outstanding Sportsperson” cadre with 500 posts
- 45 junior coaches and multiple training staff recruited
- Sports medicine and sports science cadre with 112 positions
- 206 physical trainer posts under recruitment
This aims to provide stable career pathways for athletes.
New Youth Bhawan and Punjab Sports Portal Launched
CM Mann also virtually laid the foundation stone of a ₹43.66 crore Youth Bhawan in Chandigarh’s Sector 42, featuring:
- 200-bed hostel
- 400-seat auditorium
- Conference and seminar halls
Additionally, a Punjab Sports Portal was launched to provide centralized access to athlete services, funding, and training support.
Punjab Strengthening Its Global Sports Identity
CM Bhagwant Mann said Punjab has consistently produced world-class athletes and Olympic champions, especially in hockey, cricket, and athletics.
He emphasized that the government is committed to making Punjab a global sports hub through investment in infrastructure, financial assistance, and talent development.
About Punjab’s Sports Initiative
Punjab’s sports policy focuses on grassroots development, infrastructure expansion, athlete welfare, and international event hosting. With record budgets, large-scale infrastructure projects, and direct financial support systems, the state aims to become India’s leading sports powerhouse.
Read also: Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Launches ₹57.80 Crore Road and Development Drive in Amritsar’s Attari
