Chandigarh, February 4: In a dawn of a new era, the Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann, today personally awarded appointment letters for the posts of PCS and PPS to 11 players who clinched the Bronze medal for the country in Hockey after a 40-year hiatus, and garnered recognition in cricket and shot put.

Historic Recognition: PCS and PPS Jobs for 11 Players

The Chief Minister described the occasion as historic, choosing to inaugurate the newly constructed auditorium in his official residence by hosting the event. He highlighted the past neglect towards hockey and praised the government’s efforts in restoring its significance both nationally and within the state.

Diverse Sporting Achievements: Hockey, Cricket, and Shot Put

Today, 11 players—nine from hockey, one from cricket, and one from shot put—received recruitment letters for PCS and PPS positions.

Notable among them are Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, Varun Kumar, Shamsher Singh, and Dilpreet Singh from hockey; Harmanpreet Kaur from cricket; and Tejinder Toor from shot put. Additionally, four hockey players, Rupinder Pal Singh, Simranjit Singh, Hardik Singh, and Gurjant Singh, have been appointed as PCS officers.

Inaugural Event: Chief Minister’s Personal Involvement

The Chief Minister highlighted the phenomenon of ‘reverse migration’ occurring in the state, where youth settled abroad are returning to secure government jobs. He anticipated a similar trend in sports, envisioning elite players from other states seeking opportunities in Punjab.

Punjab’s Dual Role: Breadbasket and Sporting Powerhouse

Emphasising Punjab’s role as both the nation’s breadbasket and a producer of outstanding athletes, Chief Minister Mann underscored the state’s contributions to the nation’s food security and its legacy of producing top-tier sports personalities.

Honoring Sacrifices: Parallels with Freedom Fighters 

He drew parallels between honouring freedom fighters and recognising exceptional athletes, stressing the importance of their sacrifices for the nation’s unity and sovereignty.

Government’s Commitment: Enhancing Prestige of Jobs

While acknowledging past neglect by predecessors who plundered the state’s wealth, Chief Minister Mann affirmed the government’s commitment to honouring deserving individuals, equating the awarding of jobs to renowned players with enhancing the prestige of those positions.

Sports Promotion and Anti-Drug Campaign Integration

The state government plans to integrate sports promotion with its anti-drug campaign, allocating a significant budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Chief Minister Mann emphasised the importance of keeping youth engaged through employment opportunities and envisaged sports as a potent tool in combating drug abuse while fostering socio-economic development.

He reiterated the government’s dedication to providing 100% job opportunities to players excelling in international events, viewing the promotion of a sporting culture as pivotal in the fight against drugs and youth empowerment.

Efforts to bolster sporting infrastructure and provide world-class facilities reflect the government’s commitment to nurturing talent at both national and international levels.

Commendation from Sports Minister: Inspiring Future Generations

Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer commended the Chief Minister’s initiative, predicting it would inspire aspiring athletes.

The players expressed gratitude for the opportunity, with hockey player Harmanpreet Singh noting the significance of the Chief Minister’s personal involvement and praising the government’s groundbreaking initiatives like Khedan Watan Punjab Dian.

Rupinder Pal Singh expressed profound gratitude for the PCS and PPS jobs, marking a milestone in state governance. He believed this recognition would spur athletes to greater achievements, ultimately bringing honor to the nation through sports excellence.