Jalandhar (Punjab) In a landmark move to reclaim Punjab’s legacy as the cradle of Indian sports, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, joined by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art Sports Hub at Burlton Park in Jalandhar. The ambitious ₹78-crore project is being developed under the Smart City Mission and is poised to transform the iconic park into a world-class center for sports, fitness, and public recreation.
Speaking at the ceremony, both leaders described the occasion as a defining moment in Punjab’s sporting journey. They reiterated their shared vision of making Jalandhar not only the sports capital of India but also an international hub for athletic excellence. The transformation of Burlton Park is seen as a tribute to the city’s rich sporting heritage and its historic role in shaping India’s athletic future.
At the heart of this visionary project lies an ultra-modern cricket ground, designed to host top-tier matches and training camps. Adjacent to it, two sprawling multi-purpose indoor stadiums will be built, offering facilities for a wide array of sports including handball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, wrestling, weightlifting, judo, and kabaddi. The inclusion of dedicated grounds for football and hockey, along with a yoga shed and a skating rink, reflects the state government’s commitment to holistic and inclusive athletic development.
In a move that aligns with international standards, the Sports Hub will include indoor seating for 500 spectators and outdoor seating for up to 1,000 attendees. The complex will also feature jogging and cycling tracks to encourage community fitness, while existing lawn tennis courts will undergo a major revamp to meet modern competitive needs. The infrastructure blueprint extends beyond sports to include visitor-friendly amenities such as a cafeteria, vending zones, a shopping complex, and uninterrupted utilities through dedicated transformers and DG sets.
Accessibility and traffic management have been given special attention, with three main entry gates, signalized traffic junctions, and newly renovated roads with aesthetic landscaping forming the arteries of the Sports Hub. Parking infrastructure has been designed to accommodate over 200 four-wheelers and more than 150 two-wheelers, ensuring convenience for visitors and athletes alike.
Reinforcing Jalandhar’s global reputation in sports equipment manufacturing, the leaders highlighted that footballs, rugby balls, and other gear produced in the city are regularly used in prestigious global tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Moreover, cricket bats from Jalandhar continue to be a favorite among top international players, underscoring the city’s continuing influence on world sport.
The project, both leaders emphasized, is not just an infrastructure initiative but a revival of a legacy. With historic venues like the Surjit Hockey Stadium and the renowned Sports College already dotting Jalandhar’s landscape, the new Sports Hub will act as a catalytic centerpiece for the state’s sporting aspirations. The Punjab Government’s commitment, they affirmed, is unwavering in ensuring that the city regains its past glory while also becoming a launchpad for the athletes of tomorrow.
Chief Minister Mann and Arvind Kejriwal concluded their remarks with a promise to complete and dedicate the Sports Hub to the public within the next year, marking a new era of opportunity, inspiration, and global ambition for Punjab’s youth.
This is a web-generated news feature based on official government updates and public announcements.
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