Big talk on building stadiums in Punjab, bigger test ahead

PUNJAB’s Rs 1,194-crore plan to build 3,100 village stadiums may sound like a golden goal — but the question is, who will keep the game going? Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal have packaged it as a war on drugs and a revival of Punjab’s sporting spirit. The intent is noble; but it is the execution that will decide if it turns into a legacy or a liability. The project’s vision is sweeping: modern multi-sports grounds spread across villages, offering space for football, hockey, athletics and traditional games — even recreation for the elderly. For a state racked by addiction and disillusionment among its youth, sports offer discipline, purpose and pride. If the stadiums truly become community hubs, they could help channel Punjab’s restless energy into something productive and unifying.

But as experience shows, building facilities is the easy part. The real test lies in ensuring sustainability. Many projects across states turned into neglected grounds due to poor maintenance, lack of equipment and absence of coaching. Without trained coaches, tournaments and local sports management, Punjab’s new fields risk becoming photo-op showpieces rather than engines of change. Inclusivity is equally critical. Access must extend to girls, the elderly and the differently abled. And traditional rural games like kabaddi, wrestling and gatka should not be sidelined by modern ones. Moreover, transparency in fund utilisation and measurable indicators — such as participation levels and changes in drug-use patterns — will be essential to assess real outcomes.

Punjab’s plan could indeed turn the tide — but only if it is matched by long-term vision, transparent management and measurable outcomes. Done right, it can strengthen community bonds, improve mental health and even unearth hidden rural talent. Otherwise, these 3,100 stadiums risk becoming what many past schemes did: political trophies, not public assets.