SPORTS MINISTER RANA GURMEET SINGH SODHI EXHORTS BUSINESS HOUSES AND BOARDS TO ADOPT SPORTSPERSONS

LUDHIANA, MAY 5, 2018: Punjab Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi on Saturday exhorted renowned business houses and various boards to come forward for the development of sports in the state besides to adopt the players and teams to fulfill their needs by joining the hands with the government.

He said this to media persons during a state level function organized on the 295th birth anniversary of a legendary Sikh warrior and founder of Ramgarhia Misl Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia. The minister on his maiden visit to Ludhiana stated that a blueprint is being prepared for the growth of sports and players so that Punjab can achieve the new feat in this field.

He said that business houses and boards can play a pivotal role in the development of sports and they must come forward and very soon, the government would hold consultations with renowned businessmen and boards' chiefs.

On being quizzed, the minister told that his department has set its eyes on national games to improve Punjab's medal tally and later to ensure their brilliant performance at various international sports events like Olympic, Asian games, and commonwealth games etc.

He further disclosed that special funds will be created for the accomplishments of players and their diet.

The state government would also provide jobs to them according to their ability and performance.

Maintaining that government is committed to upgrading sports infrastructure in Punjab, The minister also announced new astroturf for Ludhiana's Guru Nanak Stadium.

Earlier recalling the contribution of Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in Sikh history, the minister said that he was a legendary Sikh warrior.

He told that Guru Gobind Singh established the Sikh Panth but it was later strengthened and consolidated by heads of various Sikh ‘misls’ and leaders, he told the people while recognizing the contribution of Maharaja Ramgarhia in forging unity among the Sikhs.

He also announced a grant of Rs 15 lakh for the welfare of Ramgarhia community.

Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, who was the special guest at the function, also spoke about the great Sikh warrior and his heroics in the battlefields.

MLA Kuldeep Singh Vaid, District Congress Chief Gurdev Singh Lapra, senior Congress leader Kamaljeet Singh Karwal and others also addressed the gathering.

On the occasion, prominent from Ramgarhia community, Darshan Singh Lote, Randhir Singh Dahele, Ranjeet Singh Matharu and Surinder Singh Namdhari were honoured.

Earlier Guard of Honour presented by Ludhiana police to the minister in Circuit House. Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Agrawal and Police Commissioner Sukhchain Singh Gill welcomed the minister.

On the occasion, MLA Sanjay Talwar, former minister Malkeet Singh Dakha, Mayor Balkar Singh, Senior Deputy Mayor Sham Sunder Malhotra, Deputy Mayor Sarbjeet Kaur, City Congress Chief Gurpreet Singh Gogi, Senior congress leaders Amarjeet Singh Tikka, Major Singh Bhaini, Pawan Dewan, Karishan Kumar Bawa, Satwinder Kaur Bitti, Balwant Singh Shergill, Kulwant Singh Sidhu, Anand Sarup Singh Sohi, Naresh Dhiman, Harjinder Singh Dhindsa, Sukhwinder Singh Raja Bindra, District Sports officer Kartar Singh Sehamby, Assistant Director Dawinder Singh Lote, Councillor Harkaran Singh Vaid and others were present.