The Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is ushering in a new era for sports with the launch of Khed Kranti Punjab, a comprehensive sports revolution aimed at reviving the state’s rich sporting culture. Highlighting the government’s achievements, CM Mann announced that Punjab will host the prestigious Hockey Asian Champions Trophy and the National Badminton Championship Under-13 for the first time in 40 years.
“After decades of neglect, Punjab is reclaiming its position as a national sports hub,” said CM Mann. “Through Khed Kranti Punjab, we are creating world-class infrastructure, supporting athletes financially, and expanding grassroots participation across the state.”
The international hockey tournament, scheduled for October-November, will feature six top Asian teams, including India, with matches to be held at Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium in Mohali and Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. In addition, the Asian Hockey Federation has approved Punjab to host an annual four-nation hockey tournament, further strengthening the state’s presence on the global sports stage.
Khed Kranti Punjab: Massive Funding and Incentives for Athlete
Under Khed Kranti Punjab, the state has allocated ₹1,791 crore for sports—a historic increase from ₹350 crore in 2023—and introduced financial incentives for athletes, including ₹15 lakh for Olympic preparation and ₹8 lakh for Asian Games preparation. Medal winners at the Paralympics and Asian Games will receive ₹1 crore each, with PCS and DSP jobs awarded to select Olympians.
The program also emphasizes grassroots engagement. The “Khedan Watan Punjab Dian” initiative is developing 3,100 playgrounds, equipping 3,000 gyms, and distributing 17,000 sports kits. Participation in state-level sporting events has risen from 1.5 lakh to 5 lakh players, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among youth. CM Mann noted, “Sports is one of the most effective tools to combat drug abuse in Punjab, and these programs channel the energy of our youth into positive development.”
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Highlighting Punjab’s legacy, CM Mann pointed out the state’s historic contributions to national and international sports. “Hockey and Punjab are inseparable. Over 50 Punjabi hockey players have won Olympic medals, and 10 have captained the Indian team. Legends like Balbir Singh Senior, Udham Singh, and Ajit Pal Singh have brought glory to the nation. Our contemporary stars—Harmanpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Shubman Gill, Harmanpreet Kaur, Palpreet Singh Brar, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu—continue this tradition,” he said.
Khed Kranti Punjab Strengthens Grassroots Sports and Modern Training Infrastructure
CM Mann emphasized that Khed Kranti Punjab is not only about elite athletes but also about community and youth development. Nutrition-based meal plans, upgraded sports medicine facilities, AstroTurf replacements, and synthetic tracks in major cities have improved training environments. The state has also revived traditional sporting events like the Kila Raipur Sports Festival, ensuring that rural sports receive renewed attention.
“Through Khed Kranti Punjab, we are transforming Punjab into a true sports hub, providing infrastructure, financial support, and opportunities for athletes at every level,” CM Mann stated. “Our aim is to ensure that every child with talent has access to world-class facilities and the chance to shine on national and international platforms.”
With a combination of historical recognition, modern infrastructure, and strong policy support, Khed Kranti Punjab promises to re-establish the state’s dominance in sports and inspire generations of athletes to come.