In a historic ruling to enhance sports in Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has approved the enforcement of the Punjab State (Development and Promotion of Sports) Act, 2024, positioning Punjab as the first state in the country to take this step.
Chief Minister Mann emphasized that the Act seeks to incorporate top practices from both national and international spheres to enhance sports in the state, guaranteeing a transparent and merit-based process for athlete selection.
Mann stressed that this Act will be crucial in creating a legal structure that encourages transparency in sports organizations.
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CM Mann elaborated that this Act requires a fair and unbiased selection process for athletes who represent their districts at the state level, their state at the national level, and their country on the international stage.
He stated that this will also guarantee the responsible and effective use of government funds by sports organizations.
He mentioned that digital versions of documents and accounts will be available to the Director of Sports, Punjab Government.
A committee of five members, including the General Secretary, two senior coaches, and two notable players, will be tasked with choosing the team/players to represent the district or state.
Bhagwant Singh Mann guaranteed that player appeals will be resolved within seven days by the Dispute Resolution Committee, led by the Deputy Commissioner/Administrative Secretary.