CHANDIGARH : Keeping in view the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to bring the state back on the sports map, the suggestions of the people will be taken before implementing the comprehensive new sports policy being prepared by the Sports Department, after which this policy will be implemented very soon.
It was stated by Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today in a press communiqué after holding a marathon meeting with the committee of experts formed to draft the sports policy at Punjab Bhawan.
Meet Hayer said that a draft of the sports policy has been prepared and it has been decided to seek public opinion to get the feedback of people associated with sports and sportspersons before sending it for approval. After this, an effective sports policy will be prepared by incorporating people's suggestions, which will take Punjab forward in the field of sports. He directed the department to complete the draft of the sports policy after soliciting public opinion so that it can be implemented at the beginning of the new session.
The Minister said that the sports policy will strengthen the sports department and recruit more coaches, increase the seats of the sports wings, create a sports-friendly environment, and provide financial assistance to the players to prepare for international competitions, including all important events of every sport for a cash prize, giving jobs to players, incentives to coaches doing a good job and starting awards for coaches, preparing a common calendar by the sports department in collaboration with the departments of school education and higher education and scholarships for players.
Speaking at the beginning of today's meeting, the new Principal Secretary Rakhee Gupta Bhandari said that Punjab has been well known for sports at the national and international level and the new sports policy will play an important role in promoting the rich heritage of sports of Punjab. The opinion of all experts is very important, added the Principal Secretary.
The experts included in the committee are former DGP and Senior Vice President of Punjab Olympic Association Rajdeep Singh Gill, Hockey Olympian Gold Medalist and Arjuna Awardee Surinder Singh Sodhi, Dronacharya Awardee and former Chief Coach of Indian Boxing Team Gurbakhsh Singh Sandhu and Director Sports of Guru Kanshi University Talwandi Sabo Dr. Raj Kumar Sharma who shared their views on increasing sports competitions at the lower level or starting leagues, maximum recruitment of coaches at the lower level, players who have brought laurels to the country or state. They emphasized giving attention to famous players in government recruitment.
Sports Director Amit Talwar presented a copy of the draft in which the suggestions received from the experts during the previous meeting were also incorporated.