Fatehgarh Sahib, 3rd February (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): The initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, to encourage the youth of the state towards sports are yielding positive results. In this regard, the athletes from Fatehgarh Sahib district have made the district proud by winning 288 medals at the state level during the 2024-25 period.
Sharing this information, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Sona Thind mentioned that out of the 288 medals won in state-level competitions, 85 are gold, 89 are silver, and 114 are bronze. She further explained that the district’s athletes have won medals in various sports:
- Fencing: 27 gold, 44 silver, 40 bronze
- Kabaddi: 24 gold, 12 silver, 12 bronze
- Rugby: 12 gold, 12 bronze
- Wushu: 1 gold, 3 silver, 11 bronze
- Boxing: 6 gold, 2 silver, 6 bronze
- Athletics: 2 gold, 7 silver, 4 bronze
- Gatka: 1 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze
- Shooting: 1 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze
- Kickboxing: 1 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze
- Chess: 4 bronze
- Rowing: 3 gold, 1 silver
- Lawn Tennis: 2 gold, 2 bronze
- Badminton: 3 silver
- Weightlifting: 2 gold, 1 bronze
- Roller Skating: 1 silver, 1 bronze
- Taekwondo: 1 bronze
- Gymnastics: 1 bronze
- Wrestling: 3 gold, 5 silver, 3 bronze
- Powerlifting: 6 bronze
The Deputy Commissioner stated that the Sports Department coaches provide free coaching to the athletes, and under the department’s scheme, the Day-Schooler Wing (Schools) is run, providing each player with a daily diet of ₹125 for breakfast and dinner.
To keep children and youth away from drugs, the Punjab Government organized “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan-2024,” which included block, district, and state-level sports competitions. State-level fencing and softball competitions were held in Fatehgarh Sahib district, with nearly 2,500 athletes and officials participating.
To encourage the athletes who won medals at the state level, cash prizes are awarded: ₹10,000 for gold, ₹7,000 for silver, and ₹5,000 for bronze. Additionally, under the Olympian Sardar Balbir Singh (Senior) Scholarship Scheme for Outstanding and Budding Sportspersons, scholarships are being awarded to athletes. Junior National and Senior National medal winners from Fatehgarh Sahib will receive ₹16,000 and ₹12,000 per month, respectively. Additionally, scholarships for 5 months for Senior National medalists and 9 months for Junior National medalists have already been disbursed.
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the public to encourage their children to participate in sports and take advantage of the schemes and facilities offered by the Punjab Government. This will not only keep the youth away from drugs but also help them make a name for themselves and the country.
Summary: Athletes from Fatehgarh Sahib district proudly secured 288 state-level medals, highlighting their talent and dedication, as noted by the Deputy Commissioner.