Chandigarh’s Sporting Landscape Transformed with Synthetic Athletic Track and Comprehensive Sports Policy Introduction
Chandigarh, 29th August 2023- On the occasion of National Sports Day, the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator UT, Chandigarh, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, marked a historic moment as he inaugurated the state-of-the-art synthetic athletic track at Sports Stadium, Sector-7, Chandigarh, and simultaneously unveiled the groundbreaking new Sports Policy for UT Chandigarh.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed a welcome by Sh. Jaspinder Singh, Secretary, Chandigarh Athletics Association, who expressed profound gratitude to the Chandigarh Administration and the Administrator for their unwavering support in delivering the much-anticipated synthetic athletic track. This new facility, built to international standards, promises to be a game-changer for future athletes in training. Notably, Chandigarh is set to host the upcoming trials for the Asian Championships in September, taking place on this very track. Athletes from the city had the privilege of racing on this cutting-edge track for the inaugural event.
Administrator Sh. Banwarilal Purohit, known for his passion for fitness, administered the ‘Fitness Oath’ to all attendees, setting the tone for the event. He then went on to launch the new Sports Policy for U.T. Chandigarh.
The Administrator highlighted the timeless significance of sports in Indian culture, drawing inspiration from ancient epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. He eloquently noted that sports have always been an integral part of our heritage, with these epics showcasing the valor and athletic prowess of revered heroes. These narratives, he emphasized, underscore the enduring importance of sports in promoting physical fitness, discipline, and a spirit of healthy competition
The newly introduced Chandigarh Sports Policy introduces several progressive measures, including a substantial increase in the scholarship budget for sports persons, a generous cash award of Rs. 6 crore for Olympic gold medallists (the highest in the country, rivaled only by Haryana), cash awards for coaches in 19 categories to recognize their dedication and commitment, and an innovative talent hunt program catering to children starting as young as 6 years old.
Other key elements of the policy include a rolling gradation system for sports persons based on their achievements, a sports injury and rehabilitation center, a corpus of Rs. 50 crore for differently abled sportspersons, and a dedicated corpus of Rs. 25 lakh for promising children from peripheral areas and economically weaker sections (EWS) rehabilitation colonies.
Sh. Dharam Pal, Adviser to Administrator, UT Chandigarh, extended his congratulations to all parties involved in realizing this exceptional sports facility and crafting the comprehensive Sports Policy. The Adviser emphasized that the inauguration of the world-class Synthetic Athletic Track signifies a pivotal moment in Chandigarh’s sporting history and underscores the city’s commitment to nurturing a vibrant sports culture. The policy, he noted, serves as a comprehensive blueprint for strategic sports development in Chandigarh.
In his address, Sh. Banwarilal Purohit commended the sports department and officials for their dedication. Sh. Saurabh Arora thanked the Administrator and the Adviser for their untiring support in formulating this groundbreaking sports policy poised to usher in a new era of sports culture within the city and inspire countless young talents to enthusiastically embrace the world of sports.
Among the distinguished personalities who graced the occasion were Sh. Anup Gupta, Mayor UT Chandigarh, Dr. Dharam Pal, Advisor to the Administrator, Dr. Vijay Namdeorao Zade, Finance Secretary, Sh. Nitin Yadav, Home Secretary, Sh. Praveer Ranjan, DGP, Sh. Sanjay Tondon, Chairman of Administrator’s Advisory Council Sports Committee, Sh. Sorabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports and other senior officials of the Administration.
