Punjab Seeks to Revolutionize Sports Infrastructure with Plans to Develop 495 Playground Sites

The district administration of Punjab has identified 495 potential sites for playgrounds/sports grounds across the rural and urban belt, as part of its efforts to nurture international-level athletes. The project aims to promote sports as a healthy alternative for the youth in the state.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Paramjit Kaur, work is already underway on 174 sites, with plans to develop playgrounds in each constituency. Sharing the break-up, ADC said that Ajnala block will have 12 playgrounds, Majitha 20, while Jandiala Guru and nearby villages will see a maximum of 22 sports grounds.

The aim of this initiative is not only to provide a platform for aspiring athletes but also to create active community spaces where people can engage in physical activities. These playground facilities are expected to foster social interaction, drive community development, and promote the overall well-being of society.

However, there have been concerns raised about the state's track record on sports development projects. The now-shelved project by Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) of building a multipurpose state-of-the-art sports stadium at Ranjit Avenue highlights how announced projects often fail to materialize. Despite this setback, the district administration is committed to pursuing its goals.

Punjab's sporting talent has shown promise in international competitions, with 19 athletes participating in the Paris Olympics 2024 and seven coming from Amritsar. The district administration hopes that these playground sites will serve as sports nurseries for future generations of athletes.