In a bold push to eradicate drugs and empower youth through sports, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, alongside Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, laid the foundation stone of a world-class sports stadium in Jalandhar on Wednesday—marking the launch of a sweeping statewide mission to transform Punjab from drug abuse to athletic excellence.
Before the groundbreaking ceremony, the AAP Supremo flagged off a truck carrying 25,000 rugby balls manufactured in Jalandhar for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup in England—calling it a proud moment not just for Punjab, but for the entire country. He announced that similar sports infrastructure will now be developed in every district and every village across Punjab, firmly stating that the state’s youth will be channelled away from addiction and into stadiums.
In a landmark moment for Punjab, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal laid the foundation stone of a state-of-the-art Multi Sports Complex in Jalandhar, calling it a historic day in the city’s history. “This visionary complex will house facilities for cricket, hockey, yoga, basketball, volleyball and several other sports. Thousands of Jalandhar residents will come here daily to play and exercise. This complex will become a mini-city in itself and perhaps the first of its kind in all of North India,” he declared.
Recalling AAP’s commitment made during the 2022 elections, Arvind Kejriwal added, “We had promised a world-class Multi Sports Complex for Jalandhar, and today, I’m proud that we are delivering on that promise. The foundation has been laid and it will be completed within a year.”
He connected the initiative directly to AAP’s war against drugs in Punjab. “There was a time when Punjab was number one in every field—be it industry, agriculture, or sports. It was the richest state in India. But over the years, previous governments pushed Punjab and its youth into drugs. Drugs entered every home, and children were tormented,” said the AAP Chief.
Arvind Kejriwal added that in recent months, the AAP government in Punjab has launched an unprecedented war against drugs—something no other government in India has dared to do in the last 75 years. “Today, the results are visible. Entire villages are declaring themselves drug-free. Panchayats are passing resolutions against drug sale. Earlier, no one had the courage to name drug dealers. But now, thanks to the Punjab government and police cracking down on suppliers—arresting them, demolishing their houses, using bulldozers—the people have faith that the state stands with them.”
Arvind Kejriwal further stressed that the newly announced Multi Sports Complex will become a milestone in this war on drugs. “Children need opportunities for sports and purpose, or they will slip back into addiction. Now, thousands of children will come to Burlton Park to play. The government has not only sanctioned budgets for playgrounds across Punjab, but work has already begun. We are building playgrounds and youth clubs in all 13,000 villages. Each village will receive equipment for five sports—cricket, football, volleyball, and others—so children can play what they like. This will massively help in keeping youth away from drugs. And we are also creating employment opportunities for de-addicted youth so they can rebuild their lives.”
He announced that a second International Cricket Stadium will be built in Amritsar, following the one in Mohali. Highlighting Jalandhar’s rich sports manufacturing legacy, Arvind Kejriwal said, “In August-September, a major rugby match will be held in England—and the balls for that match are being made right here in a Jalandhar factory. We flagged off a truck carrying 25,000 rugby balls to England today. The rugby ball for the World Cup is made in Jalandhar. So are the bats and balls for the Cricket World Cup. This is a matter of great pride.”
He pointed out that previous governments for ruining this legacy. “Due to rampant corruption, industrialists were harassed, extorted, and those who refused to pay bribes were denied permissions. Slowly, industries fled Punjab.”
“But now,” he said, “we have put an end to all this. You have an honest, clean government. On Tuesday, our Punjab government launched an excellent new Industrial Policy. The industries that left Punjab will return—and new industries will come too. Jalandhar will once again become a global hub for sports equipment. We are launching several new focal points for industry. All clearances will be granted within 45 days. We appeal to entrepreneurs—come to Punjab, set up your industry, manufacture sports goods, and give employment to our youth. If children play and work, they will stay away from drugs.”
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann highlighted Jalandhar’s legacy of producing exceptional athletes who have brought international acclaim to the country, particularly in hockey. He pointed out that many players of India’s national hockey squad hail from the district, with three generations of athletes having emerged from its grounds. However, the Chief Minister said that political mismanagement over the years caused Punjab to fall behind in sports.
Bhagwant Mann stressed that the state’s lost glory in athletics would be restored through committed and strategic efforts. Reviving sports is a central pillar of Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, he said that it aims to channel the youth’s energy into positive avenues. The Punjab CM also announced that historic Burlton Park would be renamed after a legendary Punjabi athlete, shedding its colonial legacy.
The Punjab CM added that international cricket stadiums would soon be developed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, following the one in Mullanpur. Bhagwant Mann proudly noted that the captains of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, as well as the football team skipper, hail from Punjab. He asserted that Punjab would soon become the number one state in sports, and the government would leave no stone unturned in upgrading infrastructure and promoting athletic excellence.
The Punjab CM concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Punjab and its people. He said that the pristine glory of the state will be restored by all means and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will lead the country in every sphere.
Arvind Kejriwal flags off first shipment of 25,000 rugby balls made in Jalandhar for Rugby World Cup in England
Earlier in the day, Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann flagged off the first shipment of 25,000 rugby balls being sent to England for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. “It is a moment of great pride that these balls, made in Jalandhar, will be used at the Rugby World Cup. Even cricket bats used in the Cricket World Cup are made here. This reinforces Jalandhar’s identity as the sports capital of India.”
He acknowledged that although Jalandhar once led the country in sports manufacturing, the rise of drug abuse and flawed policies of previous governments caused an industrial decline. “Much of the production moved out of Jalandhar. But under the AAP government’s new industrial policy, our aim is to bring these industries back and expand existing ones,” he concluded.
