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Sangrur, June 30
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday inaugurated a new Olympic-standard swimming pool in Sangrur, part of a broader push by the state government to position Punjab as a leading hub for sporting talent in India.
The ₹9.50 crore facility, located at War Heroes Stadium, was opened on Tuesday and is designed to meet international training standards. Officials say it is intended to serve both elite athletes and young swimmers, with the aim of strengthening grassroots sport in the region.
Speaking at the event, Mann described the pool as a “nursery” for future Olympians and said Punjab was working to rebuild its sporting culture through sustained investment in infrastructure and incentives.
The government has significantly increased its sports budget in recent years, rising from under ₹200 crore in previous administrations to ₹1,790 crore, according to state figures shared at the event.
As part of its wider sports policy, the state has announced financial rewards for international medal winners — ₹1 crore for gold, ₹75 lakh for silver and ₹50 lakh for bronze — alongside advance funding support for training. Mann also said Punjab would soon launch state-level cricket and hockey leagues, while major tournaments such as the Asian Champions Trophy in hockey are scheduled to be hosted in Mohali and Jalandhar later this year.
The new swimming complex includes a 50m x 21m pool built with modern modular technology, separate changing and shower facilities, a gymnasium, and a smaller pool for young children. Officials said the design follows international specifications, with advanced filtration and safety systems. The Chief Minister urged parents to encourage children to take up sports, saying the government would ensure adequate facilities and funding across the state. He also highlighted plans to build thousands of new stadiums as part of a long-term sports development strategy.
Cabinet ministers Dr. Ravjot Singh and Tarunpreet Singh Sond attended the inauguration.
