Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday honoured 19 Olympians from the State, distributing cash awards worth a total of Rs 9.35 crore in recognition of their achievements at the Paris Olympics. Eight players from the Bronze-winning Indian Hockey team were each awarded Rs one crore, while 11 other athletes who represented India at the Olympics received Rs 15 lakh each.
Mann, addressing the gathering in Chandigarh, expressed his pride in the players who have brought immense honour to Punjab and the nation. He lauded the Indian Hockey team’s performance, highlighting their historic victory against Australia and other formidable opponents like Spain and England. Mann, who closely followed the matches, emphasized that this bronze medal win is a dream come true for millions of Indians, and it was especially meaningful given the 52-year gap since India last defeated Australia in hockey.
The Chief Minister commended the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, the team’s captain, who played a pivotal role in guiding the team to success. Singh’s remarkable tally of 10 goals in the Olympics was particularly noted by Mann, who expressed his elation at seeing Punjab’s players excel on such a grand stage.
Despite the celebration, the occasion also brought forward important concerns from the athletes. Indian shooter Sifat Kaur, who also received recognition, voiced a call for the Punjab Government to prioritize providing government jobs to athletes in addition to cash rewards. She argued that while financial incentives are valuable, the long-term security and benefits of a government job are far more impactful for athletes’ futures. Kaur highlighted the example of hockey players who have secured prestigious positions like DSP and PCS ranks, which offer significant advantages beyond the sports field.
Responding to these concerns, Mann assured that the Government is committed to the welfare of athletes and will explore the feasibility of offering government jobs and promotions to medal-winning players. He also announced that the state is considering making these Olympians brand ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse, a pressing issue in Punjab. These athletes, who have demonstrated exceptional discipline and commitment, will serve as role models to inspire the youth to stay away from drugs and engage in sports.
In addition to the awards, Mann discussed the state’s broader initiatives to promote sports. He revealed plans to host a major hockey tournament in Punjab later this year, featuring world-class teams from Australia, India, Belgium, and Spain. This tournament, set to take place in Mohali, will be a significant step in reviving and promoting Indian hockey, particularly in Punjab.
The Chief Minister also touched on the state’s upcoming ‘Kheda Watan Punjab Dian’ games, which will commence on August 28. This event is expected to be a catalyst for sports development across Punjab, with the government focusing on creating specialized sports clusters. Areas like Mahilpur, Sangrur, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana will see concentrated efforts to nurture football, boxing, hockey, and athletics, respectively.
Indian Hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh and other players expressed their gratitude to the Punjab Government for the support and recognition. Singh noted that such encouragement would further boost sports in the state and help divert the youth from drug abuse to productive activities like sports.
Mandeep Singh, another key player, promised Mann that the Indian team would aim for a higher medal at the next Olympics and increase the representation of Punjab athletes in the national contingent.
In conclusion, Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to the athletes, assuring them that Punjab will continue to support their careers and contributions to the state’s sports legacy. The day ended on a high note, with promises of future successes and a renewed focus on nurturing sports talent in Punjab.
