Punjab CM Mann, Arvind Kejriwal lay stone for sports complex in Jalandhar

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and ruling AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for a sports complex at Burlton Park here, with both leaders terming the initiative the “next step” in the fight against the drug menace.

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The Chief Minister also promised to revive the sporting prowess of Punjab, which he said was destroyed by previous regimes. The project has been revived after a gap of 17 years. Its foundation was first laid by the SAD-BJP regime in 2008.

The government is projected to spend Rs 77.77 on the project, including facilities for cricket, hockey, yoga, weight-lifting, judo and kabaddi.

Both Mann and Kejriwal claimed that the Burlton Park sports hub would help the youth attract towards sports and wean them away from the scourge of drugs.

Mann said once known for renowned sprinter Milkha Singh and legendary wrestler Dara Singh, the state was pushed into the scourge of drugs as previous governments gave politics precedence over sports. “Students lost their way, scared parents began sending them abroad,” he said claiming that his government started promoting sports to help the youth shun narcotics.

“Our illustrious sporting identity and glory were destroyed by previous corrupt governments, we will bring it back. The sports hub is a step towards this direction,” he said. Kejriwal also termed the occasion “historic”, saying sports like cricket, hockey, basketball, volleyball could be played there. “The sports complex will be a mini-city in itself. It’s first such complex in north India. In the 2022 poll campaign, we had promised a multi-sports complex in Jalandhar. It will be ready in a year,” he added. The event was also attended by AAP Rajya Sabha MPs Harabhajan Singh, Ashok Mittal and Balbir Singh Seechewal.

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CM seeks new name from Harbhajan for Burlton Park

CM Bhagwant Mann asked cricketer-turned politician Harbhajan Singh to suggest a new name for Burlton Park.

Speaking to The Tribune, Harbhajan Singh said the names of Milkha Singh and Dara Singh came to his mind and he would seek more suggestions on it.

Mann said, “Burlton Park is an English name. Let’s name it after one of our players.”

Harbahajn Singh said he was happy that the government granted Rs 77 crore to uplift facilities for sports in Jalandhar. Responding to rare appearances at inaugural events, Harbhajan Singh said, “When it comes to sports, I’m always there.”

“When I started playing cricket here, we had a proper stadium. It’s just like an open maidan now,” he said.

Asked if the project would be completed in a year, he said “It’s definitely going to happen.”