In a major push towards promoting sports culture and empowering youth, the Punjab government honoured 1,070 athletes with a total cash award of ₹32.05 crore during a grand Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and Cash Award distribution ceremony held in Chandigarh. The event celebrated the achievements of players who brought laurels to Punjab and India at national and international levels.
The ceremony marked one of the biggest sports recognition programmes in the state in recent years. Athletes, coaches and parents from across Punjab attended the event, where the government reiterated its commitment to building a sports-driven and drug-free Punjab.
During the programme, 87 distinguished athletes from the years 2019 to 2023 were conferred with the prestigious Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, one of Punjab’s highest honours in the field of sports. The award recognises exceptional contributions and achievements by sportspersons who have represented the state and the nation with distinction.
Among the major highlights of the event was the honouring of Indian women cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur, Harleen Deol and Amanjot Kaur, who were each awarded ₹1.5 crore for their contribution to India’s success on the international cricket stage. Paralympic powerlifter Paramjeet Singh was also honoured with a cash prize of ₹55 lakh in recognition of his achievements and dedication.
The Punjab government stated that sports are being used not only as a platform for excellence but also as a social movement to protect the younger generation from the growing menace of drugs. The state has allocated a historic sports budget of ₹1,790 crore and launched large-scale initiatives such as “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” to identify and nurture talent from the grassroots level.
The government has also accelerated the construction and development of sports grounds in villages and urban areas, aiming to provide better infrastructure and encourage youth participation in athletics, cricket, hockey, kabaddi and other sporting disciplines. Officials believe that increased engagement in sports can play a crucial role in steering young people away from substance abuse and towards a healthier and disciplined lifestyle.
The event reflected the government’s broader vision of transforming Punjab through sports, youth empowerment and community participation. Athletes present at the ceremony described the recognition as a major morale booster and said such support motivates players to continue striving for excellence at international platforms.
The state leadership maintained that honouring athletes is not merely about rewards, but about giving respect and dignity to those who dedicate their lives to representing Punjab and the country. The government also assured that future policies would continue focusing on infrastructure, training, financial assistance and employment opportunities for sportspersons.
With rising investments in sports and a renewed emphasis on youth welfare, Punjab is attempting to project a new identity — one where playgrounds replace drugs and talent becomes the foundation of social transformation.
