Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann recognized 87 Maharaja Ranjit Singh awardees and 1,070 medal-winning athletes by awarding them a total of Rs 32.05 crore in prize money. He emphasized the expansion of Punjab’s sports ecosystem, extending from local villages to international platforms. Mann revealed plans for Punjab to host the Asian Champions Trophy for the first time, featuring an India-Pakistan match on Punjab Day, November 1.
The Chief Minister criticized past administrations for neglecting Punjab’s potential to host significant sporting events despite its history of producing numerous national champions. He highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting athletes, stating that the state had never before distributed such substantial prize money, including Rs 1 crore each to Olympic and Asian Games medalists along with job opportunities for nine medal-winning players.
In a grand felicitation ceremony, 87 players received the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, while 1,070 medalists across various sports were also honored. Mann underscored the importance of standing by Punjab’s athletes, acknowledging their contributions to the nation’s pride and emphasizing the need for respect, recognition, and support. The government’s sports vision includes financial aid of Rs 8.61 crore for 220 players to prepare for competitions, alongside a record sports budget of Rs 1,763 crore for 2026-27 to enhance sports infrastructure and athlete development in the state.
