Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Inaugurates 509 Modern Rural Sports Grounds Across State
Kamal Singh|Newsdesk7
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Patiala, August 24, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has inaugurated 509 modern ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ (rural sports grounds) across various districts, giving a major boost to grassroots sports infrastructure and opportunities for rural youth. The facilities were inaugurated from Patiala as part of the state government's second phase of its rural sports-ground programme.
Patiala, August 24, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has inaugurated 509 modern ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ (rural sports grounds) across various districts, giving a major boost to grassroots sports infrastructure and opportunities for rural youth. The facilities were inaugurated from Patiala as part of the state government's second phase of its rural sports-ground programme.
With the latest additions, the number of rural sports grounds dedicated so far has reached 734, including 255 grounds inaugurated during the first phase. The Punjab government has set a target of developing 3,100 modern Pendu Khed Maidan across the state during 2026.
Modern Sports Facilities for Punjab’s Rural Youth
The newly developed grounds are designed to provide village-level athletes with better access to sports infrastructure.
According to the government, the sports grounds will offer facilities for:
Football Volleyball Cricket Traditional and locally popular sports Children's recreational activities Walking and fitness activities
The grounds are also being equipped with high-mast lighting, footlights along walking tracks and chain-link fencing, allowing sporting activities to continue during evening hours. Plantation around the grounds is another component of the development programme.
₹1,500 Crore Allocated for Rural Sports Grounds
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the state government has earmarked ₹1,500 crore specifically for the development of Pendu Khed Maidan.
The overall sports budget for Punjab in 2026 has been placed at ₹1,744 crore, with the government focusing on expanding sports infrastructure and supporting athletes at the grassroots level.
The initiative is aimed at creating a stronger sports ecosystem in villages and giving young athletes access to facilities closer to their homes.
Sports as a Tool Against Drug Abuse
The Punjab government has linked the rural sports-ground programme with its campaign against drug abuse.
The message promoted through the initiative is “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Sports.” The government says greater participation in sports can provide young people with constructive opportunities and encourage healthier lifestyles.
The new grounds are therefore being positioned not only as sporting facilities but also as community spaces aimed at encouraging physical activity among young people.
Sports Equipment Based on Local Demand
The government has also said that sports equipment will be provided according to the popularity of different sports in individual villages.
For example, villages where cricket has a strong following can receive cricket kits, while equipment for football, volleyball and other popular sports can be provided according to local requirements.
This approach is intended to make the facilities more useful to local players rather than adopting the same equipment model for every village.
3,100 Rural Sports Grounds Planned
Punjab has set an ambitious target of completing 3,100 Pendu Khed Maidan during 2026.
The latest 509 grounds form part of the second phase of the programme. Together with the 255 facilities inaugurated earlier, the number of dedicated grounds has now crossed 700.
The government says the larger programme is aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure from the village level and creating a pipeline of young athletes who can eventually compete at district, state, national and international levels.
6,000 Rural Gyms Also Planned
Alongside the sports grounds, the Punjab government is also developing 6,000 rural gyms.
According to the Chief Minister, 500 of these gyms have already been inaugurated, adding another layer to the state's grassroots fitness and sports infrastructure programme.
The combination of playgrounds and village gyms is expected to give rural residents greater access to organised sports and fitness facilities.
Punjab’s Wider Sports Push
The rural sports-ground initiative is part of a broader sports programme announced by the Punjab government.
The state has declared 2026 as a year dedicated to sports and sportspersons, with increased investment in sporting infrastructure and financial support for athletes.
The government has also highlighted its support for players preparing for major international competitions and the distribution of prize money to athletes who have performed at national and international levels.
Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan Season 4
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also announced that the fourth season of ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ is scheduled to begin from Bathinda on September 5, with an estimated participation of around 10 lakh players.
The event is expected to provide another platform for athletes from across Punjab to participate in competitive sports.
Hockey and T20 Cricket Events in Punjab
Punjab is also preparing to host major sporting events.
According to the Chief Minister, the state will host the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy, with matches scheduled in Jalandhar and Mohali during October-November.
A T20 cricket league on the lines of the IPL is also scheduled to be played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali from August 30 to September 13.
Key Highlights Initiative Details New rural sports grounds inaugurated 509 Total grounds dedicated so far 734 Target for 2026 3,100 grounds Dedicated rural-ground allocation ₹1,500 crore Overall Punjab sports budget ₹1,744 crore Rural gyms planned 6,000 Rural gyms already inaugurated 500 New grounds include Football, volleyball, cricket & other sports Major objective Grassroots sports development What the New Grounds Mean for Rural Punjab
The expansion of sports infrastructure could be particularly important for villages where young athletes previously had limited access to properly maintained playgrounds.
By bringing better facilities closer to rural communities, the programme aims to encourage greater participation in sports while creating opportunities for emerging athletes.
The long-term success of the initiative, however, will depend not only on building the grounds but also on regular maintenance, qualified coaches, availability of equipment and sustained participation by local youth.
Conclusion
The inauguration of 509 modern Pendu Khed Maidan marks a significant expansion of Punjab's grassroots sports infrastructure. With 734 grounds now dedicated and a target of 3,100 during 2026, the state government is seeking to make sports facilities more accessible to rural youth.
The programme also forms part of Punjab's broader strategy to promote fitness, encourage young people to choose sports over drugs and develop the next generation of athletes.
