Thaindian News

Chandigarh, Nov 10 (IANS) In a bid to promote sports in the state, the Punjab government will organise Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Punjab Games from Dec 4-12.

“The idea behind the state level Games is to provide the sportspersons a platform where they can test their skills and inculcate a higher level of competitive spirit,” said Sukhbir Singh Badal, Punjab deputy chief minister.

“Matches would be played under floodlights and telecast live from the semi-final stage. The state level Games would not only wean away the youth from drugs but will also encourage them to lead a good and healthy life,” said Badal, who is also the sports minister of the state.

“It will be an annual feature. On the basis of performance of sportspersons, they would be ranked from 1 to 100 every year. Currently around 3500 talented sportspersons are being trained in 350 established sports wings in Punjab schools and colleges and around 50000 players are being trained by the Kridashrees in rural areas,” stated Badal.

Competitions will be held in 10 disciplines –athletics, basketball, football, hockey, kabaddi, shooting, volleyball, boxing, weightlifting and wrestling. Cash prize of Rs.9 lakh, Rs.7 lakh and Rs.5 lakh would be given to the first, second and third-placed winners respectively.

The Games would be held at four venues –Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali and Jalandhar.

Badal said that Punjab government has enhanced the cash incentives for players winning medals in international tournaments.

“Under our new sports policy, the cash incentives for the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and other international competitions have been enhanced,” Badal said.