Sehaj Singh and Agastya Shukla
Source : Indian Express
Introduction
Punjab is traditionally known for producing both, leading sportsmen and sports equipment. Sports like Kabaddi and Weightlifting originated in the “akhadas” of Punjab. From shuttlecocks and footballs to cricket bats, Jalandhar has developed as the epicenter of sports production in India.
The recently concluded 2024 Olympics saw one of the highest participation from Punjab. The state over the last few years has shown a notable resurgence in sports, particularly highlighted by its performance at the 2023 Asian Games, where athletes from the state secured 20 medals out of 32 participants. This marked a significant improvement compared to previous years, indicating a strong potential for future Olympic participation. Punjab’s athletes are being recognized on international platforms, with names ranging from Indian hockey veteran, the late Balbir Singh Kullar, to youth hockey icon Harmanpreet Singh (also known as “Sarpanch Sahab”), the captain of the men’s Indian hockey team, becoming household names.
Game-Changer: Punjab’s Sports Policy 2023
Under the Khelo India initiative, Punjab has been actively promoting grassroots sports by establishing sports nurseries and talent identification programs. To this effect, in 2023 the Punjab government committed itself to nurture young athletes through structured training and support systems, ensuring that talent is recognized and developed over time. In order to pursue this vision, the state launched the Punjab Sports Policy 2023, laying out the government’s intent to harness youth potential at early stages and provide support to professional sportspersons. This policy aims to create a comprehensive framework for sports development, with the government promising to invest in building 1,100 playgrounds and sports complexes.
While this was a welcome move, the facts preceding the launch of this policy speak otherwise. According to a CAG audit report from 2022, the State performs poorly in managing and maintaining sports infrastructure and professionals. For instance, the State government purchased sports infrastructure worth ₹8.48 crore in 2021. However, of the 72 multi-gyms purchased, 17 remained idle and unused for 19 months, primarily because the department did not issue directions regarding their installation. Although funds were disbursed, no output was generated due to bureaucratic inefficiencies. While Punjab pioneered the establishment of a Department for Sports in 1975 and subsequently created a State Sports Council, exceptional talent has struggled to attract international partnerships. The Punjab State Sports Council has not held the mandated number of meetings, resulting in procedural delays and related inefficiencies.
Punjab has been one of the consistent beneficiaries of the central government’s Khelo India fund. However, despite receiving ₹78 crores for infrastructure development under the Khelo India Scheme—a sum well above the national average—the state lags in fund allocation compared to states like Rajasthan and Gujarat, which have received amounts worth hundreds of crores. The unequal compensation, with regards to the participation of the state in international sporting events, has jeopardized Punjab’s potential.
State-comparison: An insight into Haryana’s sports trajectory
Recently, the UAE signed an MoU with the OP Jindal Group to build four paddle tennis courts at OP Jindal University. Although paddle tennis is still in its nascent stages in India, this investment by the UAE is significant, especially given the university’s presence in Haryana.
Haryana, Punjab’s neighboring state, is also known for nurturing young athletes in its traditional “akhadas”. The recent Olympics also saw high participation from Haryana athletes. The sports culture in Haryana is so developed that Bollywood movies like Sultan and Dangal are inspired by village households in the state. By developing paddle courts, the UAE is further fostering Haryana’s sports potential.
The way forward
This raises the question: why did Punjab, with its rich sports tradition and potential, miss the bus?
Punjab is at a critical juncture in its sports history. The state has the potential to become a leader in both sports and sports manufacturing, nationally and internationally. However, while ambitious policies have been put on paper, they need to be translated into action on the ground. For Punjab to succeed, it must address gaps in infrastructure, modernize its manufacturing sector—largely unprofitable for small and medium businesses (Kaur and Soni, 2019)—and seek out international collaborations.
Today, the ball is in Punjab’s court, and it must act quickly to seize the opportunity for a bright future. The state can generate boundless growth and forge international partnerships, providing youth with global exposure. Now is the time for Punjab to take on the challenge of developing sports from the grassroots to the state level and to position itself as a preferred investment location for partners like the UAE.