Punjab to get 6,000 new stadiums, says Cheema

Chandigarh: Launching an aggressive push to steer Punjab’s youth away from drugs and towards sports, Finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday announced the construction of 6,000 new stadiums across the state, adding to the 3,000 already developed.

He also outlined a broader development push, including ₹50 crore for infrastructure works in Raja Sansi Assembly constituency and ₹20 lakh for the development of historic village Lopoke, while reiterating the govt’s continued crackdown on drug traffickers under the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign.

While inaugurating the first Kabaddi Cup held at Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke Stadium in Lopoke, Amritsar, Cheema said that such initiatives by the state govt are playing a significant role in restoring the glory of “Rangla Punjab.”

He appreciated the efforts of Sonia Mann, in-charge of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign, and her team for organising such a commendable sports event in memory of Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke.

Highlighting the role of sports, he emphasised, “Youth can be protected from drugs by connecting them with sports. Through sports,

Punjab’s youth will once again bring laurels at national and international levels.”