Punjab hosts 69th National School Games in Ludhiana; over 1,000 athletes participate

CHANDIGARH:Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday inaugurated the 69th National School Games at Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana, marking the commencement of a major national sporting event that has brought together young athletes from across the country. The Games, being held from January 6 to January 11, feature participation from all states and Union Territories, as well as teams from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas and Vidya Bharati schools.

Addressing the gathering, Bains said that competitions during the 69th National School Games would include Judo (Under-14 boys and girls), Taekwondo (Under-14 boys and girls) and Gatka (Under-19 boys and girls). He added that the events would be conducted at multiple venues across Ludhiana, including BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar; Government Senior Secondary School, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU); and the Open Air Theatre at PAU.

Calling the hosting of the Games a moment of pride for the state, the Education Minister said that around 1,000 sportspersons and more than 350 coaches from different parts of the country had arrived in Ludhiana. “Teams from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh and the North Eastern states are participating, making this a truly national event,” he said.

Bains said the district administration had made comprehensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Games. “Despite the cold weather, adequate arrangements have been ensured for accommodation, food and transportation. PCR teams have been deployed for security, and CCTV cameras have been installed at all playgrounds,” he said.

Highlighting the state government’s emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure, the minister said that the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, was working at a war footing to expand facilities across the state. “In the first phase, construction of 3,100 playgrounds in villages and cities is underway, with the vision that every village in Punjab will have its own sports ground,” he said.

He also spoke about capacity building and support systems for athletes, noting that coaches were being recruited on a large scale for sports nurseries in disciplines such as boxing, hockey and kabaddi. “The diet allowance for players has also been enhanced to ensure better training and performance,” he added.

Referring to the state’s sports policy, Bains said Punjab had introduced a unique system of advance financial assistance for athletes selected for major international events. “For the first time, players selected for the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships or the Olympics receive financial support in advance. In many other states, incentives are provided only after medals are won. Since the implementation of this policy, Punjab has witnessed an increase in its medal tally,” he said.

The Education Minister further said Punjab was steadily reclaiming its legacy as a leading sporting state. “It is a matter of pride that the Indian men’s cricket team, women’s cricket team and the Indian hockey team are performing exceptionally under the captaincy of Punjabis. The strong presence of Punjabi players in the national hockey team reflects the revival of Punjab’s sporting identity,” he said.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Director Secondary Education Gurinder Singh Sodhi, Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar, Deputy Mayor Prince Johar, District Education Officer Dimple Madan, District Sports Officer Kuldeep Chugh, and senior officials from various departments.