Kejriwal and Mann Link War on Drugs with Athletic Resurgence; First-of-its-Kind Multi-Sports Complex to Uplift Youth and Restore Punjab’s Sporting Legacy
Chandigarh, June 11:
In a landmark step toward reviving Punjab’s sporting legacy and combating drug abuse, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the state’s first multi-sports complex at Burlton Park, Jalandhar. The ₹78 crore project, a central component of the “Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, aims to reclaim the state’s position as a national leader in sports and youth development.
Terming it a historic day, Arvind Kejriwal said the state is transitioning from “Operation Bulldoze”, which dismantled drug smuggling networks by demolishing and confiscating illegal assets, to a constructive movement that empowers youth through sports. The upcoming Burlton Park Sports Hub, touted as the first of its kind in India, is expected to be completed within a year and will provide thousands of youth with modern infrastructure and opportunities for athletic growth.
Kejriwal lamented that Punjab, once a frontrunner in fields such as sports and entrepreneurship, had lost ground due to the apathy and misgovernance of traditional political parties. “They allowed drugs to seep into the state’s bloodstream,” he said. “But today, we are building a future where stadiums replace drug dens.”
He added that ultra-modern sports facilities will soon be developed in every village, providing healthy alternatives and nurturing the immense untapped talent across Punjab. Kejriwal also highlighted recent strides in governance and investment, including new industrial focal points and the launch of the FastTrack Punjab Portal, which guarantees investors all approvals within 45 days.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann drew attention to Jalandhar’s illustrious history as a cradle of sports, especially hockey, noting that three generations of national athletes have emerged from the district. “Yet, political mismanagement over decades eroded this legacy,” he said.
Mann announced that Burlton Park will soon be renamed in honour of a legendary Punjabi athlete, marking a shift away from its colonial nomenclature. He also revealed plans for international-standard cricket stadiums in Jalandhar and Amritsar, following the Mullanpur model.
“With the captains of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, and the football skipper, all hailing from Punjab, the state is destined to become India’s sporting capital once again,” Mann asserted. He emphasised that this revival is not just about infrastructure, but about redirecting youth energy toward pride, purpose, and progress.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to restore Punjab’s lost glory across sectors. “We will leave no stone unturned to ensure Punjab leads the nation in sports, industry, and inclusive development,” he concluded.
