Malerkotla residents push for timely completion of 71 rural stadiums

Sports enthusiasts from Malerkotla district are pushing for timely completion of construction of 71 stadiums that is underway in rural areas as well as upgrade of facilities at the existing ones.

They urge the administration to ensure the commitment made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to complete 3,100 stadiums across the state by June 2026 in met.

Mann had directed the authorities to ensure that all the stadiums, being constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,350 crore, are handed over to the respective civic bodies.

District Sports Officer Harpinder Singh said the 71 stadiums in Malerkotla are expected to be ready by June 2026, as announced by the CM.

“We have received approvals for construction of 57 stadiums in Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh and Amargarh sub-divisions. We are yet to get nod for 14 stadiums,” said Harpinder Singh. He said work on 40 facilities has started.

Officials highlight proper fencing, gate, jogging tracks, playgrounds, volleyball courts and trees as salient features of these stadiums.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament from Sangrur Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, who previously served as Punjab Sports Minister, said the state government had earmarked the funds under the Sports Policy 2023.

Though Hayer is no longer part of the Assembly since his election as an MP from Sangrur, the CM persuaded him to continue monitoring progress of the projects.

During a DISHA meeting recently, Meet Hayer highlighted strengthening of sports facilities as a top priority.

“Having reviewed progress of development projects, including the construction of these stadiums, I have advised the officials concerned to ensure that the work is completed within the timeframe given by the CM,” said Hayer.

Hayer added that quality of the infrastructure will not be compromised.

Deputy Commissioner Viraj S Tidke said personnel in the Sports Department and Public Works Department had been asked to ensure that progress of construction work is monitored regularly.

“Along with cautioning the authorities of agencies executing the projects, we have advised the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDM) of Amargarh, Ahmedgarh and Malerkotla to closely monitor the progress of construction,” said Tidke.