Jalandhar: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reviewed the preparations for the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship, scheduled to be held in December at the historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium in Jalandhar. During the visit, he announced a special grant of ₹2.14 crore for the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor badminton hall to strengthen sports infrastructure in Punjab.
The Chief Minister said the investment reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to promoting sports and creating better facilities for young athletes across the state.
National Badminton Championship Returns to Jalandhar After 44 Years
Bhagwant Mann said the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship (Under-13) will return to Jalandhar after nearly 44 years, calling it a landmark moment for Punjab’s sporting ecosystem.
He said the championship will:
- Encourage young athletes to take up badminton.
- Strengthen Punjab’s sporting culture.
- Inspire children to pursue sports as a career.
- Enhance the state’s reputation as a host for national sporting events.
“The Punjab Government is committed to promoting sports to channelise the boundless energy of youth in a positive direction,” Mann said.
₹2.14 Crore Sanctioned for World-Class Indoor Badminton Hall
During the visit, the Chief Minister handed over the sanction cheque of ₹2.14 crore to:
- Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia
- Punjab Badminton Association Secretary Ritin Khanna
The funds will be used to construct a modern indoor badminton facility at Raizada Hansraj Stadium.
According to Mann:
- The Public Works Department (PWD) will execute the project.
- The tendering process will begin shortly.
- Construction is expected to start in August.
Raizada Hansraj Stadium to Get Punjab’s Largest Indoor Badminton Facility
The Chief Minister announced that the stadium’s four existing outdoor multipurpose courts will be transformed into a world-class indoor badminton complex with international-standard infrastructure.
Once completed, the stadium will feature:
- 10 indoor badminton courts.
- International-standard sports infrastructure.
- Punjab’s largest indoor badminton venue.
It will become the first stadium in Punjab with 10 indoor badminton courts under one roof.
Upgraded Infrastructure to Boost National and International Events
Bhagwant Mann said the upgraded sports infrastructure will significantly improve Punjab’s ability to host major badminton tournaments.
The new facility will help:
- Successfully host the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship.
- Attract national and international badminton events.
- Provide world-class training facilities for athletes.
- Develop young badminton talent in Punjab.
CM Mann Reaffirms Commitment to Youth and Sports Development
During his visit, the Chief Minister interacted with players, coaches, and sports officials and reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to creating modern sports infrastructure across the state.
He said continuous investment in sports facilities is already delivering encouraging results and will remain a key priority for the government.
CM Highlights Punjab’s Rich Sporting Heritage
Bhagwant Mann said Punjab has a long tradition of promoting physical fitness and sports, inspired by the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
He noted that:
- Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji established the Mall Akhara at Khadur Sahib and promoted wrestling and physical training.
- Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib trained youth in horse riding and archery.
- Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji mastered various sports and martial arts.
- Punjab continues to celebrate its sporting traditions through traditional games held during Hola Mohalla at Sri Anandpur Sahib.
According to the Chief Minister, this rich legacy continues to inspire the state’s focus on developing world-class sports infrastructure and nurturing future champions.
Punjab Government Focuses on World-Class Sports Infrastructure
Bhagwant Mann said the Punjab Government remains committed to expanding sports infrastructure and supporting athlete development through sustained investment.
He emphasized that projects like the new indoor badminton hall will not only improve training facilities but also create opportunities for young athletes to compete at the highest levels while strengthening Punjab’s position as a leading sporting destination in India.
Read also: Punjab Becoming No. 1 in Education, Health and Free Power: CM Bhagwant Mann at Mukerian Rally
