JALANDHAR
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Jalandhar city is all set to witness a new box cricket pitch at the iconic BMCChowk, with the District Administration giving final touches to the project. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal today inspected the site and directed officials to ensure completion within a week. Highlighting the importance of the project, Dr. Aggarwal said that the pitch has been set up under the state’s flagship 'Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign,' aimed at engaging youngsters in healthy activities and steering them away from drug abuse. He said that the Punjab Government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has already launched a massive exercise to promote a culture of sports across the state to connect youth with it. The DC added that the box cricket facility at BMC Chowk will provide an opportunity for officegoers, school and college students, and other residents to play cricket in their free time. “Proper lighting arrangements have also been made to ensure games can be enjoyed during evening hours,” he said, adding that the initiative would prove to be a game-changer in promoting a vibrant sports culture at the grassroots level. The District Sports officer has been made in charge of promoting the venue amongst the locals. The venue will be opened to the public in the coming days. Notably, Box cricket is a fast-growing urban sporting format, is played in a smaller enclosed pitch with simplified rules, making it more accessible and entertaining. It is designed to be quick, engaging, and suitable for players of all ages, encouraging more people to take up the sport casually