Jalandhar, 19 July (H.S.): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday reviewed preparations for the Sub-Junior National Badminton Championship, scheduled to be held at the historic Raizada Hansraj Stadium in Jalandhar in December this year.

During his visit, the Chief Minister announced a special grant of ₹2.14 crore for the construction of a modern indoor badminton hall. He said the project reflects the Punjab Government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and encouraging young people to take up sports.

Mann said the National Badminton Championship would return to the stadium after nearly 44 years. The Under-13 championship, he added, would provide a major boost to badminton and further strengthen Punjab’s sporting culture.

The Chief Minister handed over the sanction cheque to Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Singh Walia and Punjab Badminton Association Secretary Ritin Khanna. He also noted that it was the first visit by a sitting Punjab Chief Minister to the iconic stadium in nearly six decades.

According to Mann, the Public Works Department will execute the project, while the tender process will begin shortly. Construction is expected to start in August. The four existing outdoor multipurpose courts will be converted into an international-standard indoor badminton facility.

After completion of the project, Raizada Hansraj Stadium will have a total of 10 indoor badminton courts. It will become the only venue in Punjab with such a large indoor badminton complex and one of the leading badminton centres in North India.

The Chief Minister said the upgraded infrastructure would enhance Punjab’s ability to host major national and international tournaments. He assured players, coaches and sports officials that the state government would extend all possible support for the successful organisation of the upcoming championship.

During the visit, Mann interacted with players and coaches and inspected the existing facilities at the stadium. He said Punjab has a deep and historic association with sports and has produced several legendary sportspersons.

Referring to Sikh history, he said the Sikh Gurus promoted physical fitness alongside spirituality. He cited the examples of Sri Guru Angad Dev Ji, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib and Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who encouraged wrestling, horse riding, archery and martial training.

Mann said the government’s sustained investment in sports infrastructure and athlete development had begun producing encouraging results. He reiterated that the Punjab Government would continue creating world-class facilities and opportunities for the youth.

Hindusthan Samachar / GURSHARAN SINGH