JALANDHAR
Punjab Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh said that massive efforts were made by the Punjab government to develop sporting culture in the state and nurture youth from the playfield to the podium.
After inaugurating the 67th National School Games for Hockey in Local Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, Balkar Singh said that the state government was committed to realizing the dreams of our freedom fighters and making a 'Rangla Punjab'.
He said that there was no dearth of talent in the state but the need of the hour was that the players need better infrastructure and facilities which are being ensured by the state government.
He said that there was an urgent need to hunt sports talent from the rural areas, nurture them and bloom them into international players and these games would help to produce players.
He said that by engaging the youths in the sports, the problem of drug menace can also be eliminated from the state. He said that these games would be held till January 11 in the district. He expressed hope that these matches would help the budding players to showcase their skills in these games.
The Minister also lauded the district administration and education department for making adequate arrangements of the accommodation, transport, deployment of medical, security, and others.
A total of 887 players from 26 states of the country have been participating in the games and matches will be played in Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium, PAP, BSF, Lyallpur Khalsa College and Doaba Khalsa Model Senior Secondary School.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Olympian Surinder Singh Sodhi, SDM Dr Jai Inder Singh, Technical Director School Games Federation of India Sanjay Gautam, Field Officer Amit Gautam, DEO Dr. Kultaranjeet Singh, Deputy DEO Rajiv Joshi and others.