Punjab govt to establish Punjab Institute of Sports

Chandigarh, Apr 18 (UNI) Keeping in mind the present state government's manifesto, the Punjab Government has decided to establish Punjab Institute of Sports on the pattern of National Institute of Sports, which would serve as Centre of Excellence to mould the state players into world beaters.

The ambitious proposal was discussed in detail at a meeting which was chaired by Sports Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike at Punjab Bhawan here today.

Among those present at the meeting were Principal Secretary Sports and Youth Services R P S Pawar, Joint Director Sports Chanchal Randhawa, Assistant Director Sports S L Lotey, Joint Secretary Punjab State Sports Council Kehar Singh and District Sports Officers.

The ideal location to establish the proposed Punjab Institute of Sports is State Sports School/College and Burlton Park in Jalandhar where all modern sports infrastructure could be easily raised for residential training and state of art medical centre.

Giving details of the meeting, Mr Pawar said that the Minister was keen that the various projects of the Punjab Sports Department should be taken up on priority basis and the work should start with immediate effect under proper supervision.

It was decided that the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award for 2005 and 2006, the highest state sports recognition, should be presented to the outstanding persons after receiving applications from eligible persons at the earliest. The process will take a couple of months to finalise the names of the eligible sportspersons Mr Pawar said that the Sports Department has already conferred the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award up to 2004. The Department will also disburse cash awards to the winners of Doha Asian Games 2006 and National Games at a function to be organised soon.

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