While announcing the Panjab government’s commitment to enhance sports infrastructure in the state to counter the drug issue, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann described sports as the ‘most lethal weapon’ against the drug menace. He was attending a gathering at the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, Ludhiana district. He announced that the state government will increase the sports budget in 2026–27. Echoing the sentiment, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar spoke at an event in Gopalpur village, Ludhiana district, ‘It is high time that we understand sporting spirit is the key to a disciplined, peaceful, and drug-free state.’ Meanwhile, keeping in line with the spirit, youngsters in Lambra village, Hoshiarpur district, have formed their own football team. Former Indian Administrative Services officer Kahn Singh Pannu launched the initiative by adopting the Lambra Kangri Agriculture Cooperative Society in 1999 and preparing the youngsters to play football. The aim is to start a larger sports project under which teams for various games will gradually be formed to keep children under 18 years of age engaged in healthy activities and away from the harmful influences of drugs and excessive screen time. The project has appointed a dedicated coach, footballs have been distributed, and evening practice sessions are in full swing in the village. Villagers have been urged to send their daughters to join practice sessions, making the initiative also about inclusion and societal change. Meanwhile, to boost grassroots women's sports and nurture emerging talent, Roundglass Hockey Academy has started the Punjab Hockey League—a statewide league that will culminate on 8 Mar, International Women's Day. The event will be held across Malerkotla and Jalandhar districts and will feature 19 teams. Additionally, a massive nationwide athletics league at 250 locations will be held to celebrate women in sport under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' program to commemorate International Women's Day. Union Minister of State, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse said, ‘There can't be a better opportunity to integrate our young women across the nation.’ The aim is to increase the women’s participation in sports and to identify new talent across the length and breadth of India (earlier coverage).
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