Invest in modern training facilities to revive Punjab’s sports glory

Punjab, once a dominant force in Indian sports, is now struggling to keep pace with the neighbouring states, particularly Haryana. Despite its rich sporting culture and history of producing world-class athletes, the state has witnessed a steady decline in infrastructure, funding and development of athletes.

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In an interview with Avneet Kaur, Jaspal Singh — a distinguished sports academician and administrator with over three decades of experience — talked about the challenges and potential solutions for revitalising Punjab’s sports ecosystem. He has played a crucial role in sports education, serving as Head of Department, Physical Education and Sports, and principal of Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar, and principal of SGGS Khalsa College, Mahilpur. His contributions extend beyond academia, having represented various forums at national and international levels, besides closely observed global sports trends.

n How has Punjab’s sports infrastructure evolved and what improvements are needed?

With multiple stadiums and playfields, Punjab has decent infrastructure but poor maintenance has led to its deterioration. Many facilities lack quality sports equipment, and there are no scientific sports laboratories, which are crucial for modern training. Over the past decade, there has been little investment in upgrading these facilities, making it difficult for athletes to train at a competitive level. Immediate renovations are needed, particularly at grounds such as Guru Gobind Singh Stadium in Jalandhar, to ensure they meet national and international standards.

n What challenges do young athletes face and how can these be addressed?

The biggest challenge is the absence of a structured training system. While some schools and institutions have sports wings, Punjab lacks dedicated academies that provide professional training. Additionally, there is a shortage of qualified coaches, leading to inadequate mentorship for aspiring athletes. Other concerns include the lack of well-equipped sports hostels, poor diet plans and substandard training gear. Addressing these challenges requires establishing sports academies with experienced coaches, investing in modern training facilities, and ensuring proper nutrition and physical conditioning for athletes.

n How has government funding and private sponsorship impacted sports in Punjab?

Government funding for sports remains insufficient and private sponsorship is nearly non-existent. Even when funds are allocated, delays and mismanagement prevent their effective utilisation. Many athletes who are promised financial incentives such as cash prizes and scholarships, do not receive them on time, leading to frustration and discouragement. To improve the situation, the government must ensure timely fund distribution, increase budget allocations for sports and actively engage corporate sponsors to encourage private investments in infrastructure and athlete development.

n How are traditional sports like kabaddi adapting to modern times?

Kabaddi remains a crucial part of Punjab’s sports culture, particularly in rural areas, where the circle-style format dominates. However, the lack of standardised rules and governance limits its national and international recognition. Unlike national-style kabaddi, which is featured in major tournaments like the National Games and Asian Games, circle-style kabaddi has little structured promotion in Punjab. For kabaddi to thrive, uniform regulations, better governance and government-backed leagues that provide professional opportunities for players are needed.

n With Punjabi athletes excelling globally, how can the state nurture talent?

Punjab has produced many internationally recognised athletes, but the absence of a structured talent development system remains a major hurdle. Young talent needs to be identified early and provided with high-quality training, modern coaching techniques and proper nutrition. Regular national and international exposure is essential for growth. Additionally, the integration of sports sciences — such as sports biomechanics, sports physiology and sports psychology — into training programmes can significantly enhance performance of athletes. Developing professional state-level teams and offering job opportunities within Punjab’s sports industry will also help retain local talent, ensuring the state continues to be a key player in Indian sports.

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