Sports wings will train 2000 more players to promote sports at grass root level-
Sukhbir Singh Badal
1.8 Crore prize money for 'world Kabbadi Tournament'

Bathinda, January 16, 2009

Shiromani Akali Dal President, MP, Sukhbir Singh Badal said here today that sports wings would train 2000 more players this year to promote sports at grass root level. Addressing players during 16th Kabbadi Cup at village Chauke of the district, Mr. Badal said that at present 3000 players were getting training, whereas 2400 players got training in 170 sports wings at different schools and colleges during 2007-08. He said that 169 new coaches were appointed in this financial year to meet the coaching needs of these wings.

Young president said that SAD-BJP government focused on promoting Hockey and Kabbadi in the state besides encouraging other sports. He informed that an international Kabbadi tournament 'world Kabbadi Tournament' would be conducted from this year in which players from countries like US, Canada, England, Norway, and Pakistan etc. will participate. He announced that prize money for winners would be 1 Crore, runners-up Rs.55 Lack and Rs. 25 Lack for second runners-up. Discussing initiatives taken by government to encourage hockey in the state Mr. Badal said that sports department had started Punjab State Hockey league for Men and Women this year. To provide better infrastructure & facilities astroturfs grounds would be setup at Sansarpur (Jalandhar) & Talwandi Sabo (Bathinda) and a world class hockey stadium & coching centre would be set up at Mohali.

Mr. Badal said that special initiatives had been taken to encourage women players of the state. In February 2008, National Sports festival for women was organized at Jalandhar in which Punjab got fifth place after an interval of five years. In addition, All India Women Air Weapon Compition was conducted at village Badal of Mukatsar district. 200 shooters participated in this competition from across the country. World class shooting range was constructed in the village at the cost of Rs. 1 Crore.

Discussing the development initiative taken at rural level to promote sports, Mr. Badal said that government had conducted tournaments at village, blocks, districts, zone and state level for the purpose. He said that sports equipment worth Rs. 1.25 Crore had been distributed to 1400 players of different districts of the state.

On the occasion, Mr. Badal announced the construction of a class stadium at village Chauke. Among others Chief Parliamentary Secretary Jagdeep Singh Nakkai also addressed the players.

Shiromani Akali Dal President, MP, Sukhbir Singh Badal addressing sports persons during 16th Kabbadi Tournament at village Chauke of Bathinda district.