Sangrur, June 30 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, on Tuesday inaugurated an Olympic-standard swimming pool built at a cost of Rs 9.50 crore in Sangrur and declared that the district is poised to emerge as a nursery for Asian, World and Olympic champions.

Highlighting the Aam Aadmi Party government’s investment in sports infrastructure, CM Mann said Punjab has increased the sports budget from less than Rs 200 crore under previous governments to Rs 1,790 crore, secured the opportunity to host the Asian Hockey Championship Trophy for the first time, and is now ready to launch cricket and hockey premier leagues to nurture international-level talent.

Addressing the gathering after the inauguration, CM Mann said the day marked a moment of immense pride and joy for the people of Sangrur, especially the youth, as the newly-constructed state-of-the-art swimming pool has been dedicated to them.

“This swimming pool will serve as a nursery for our future Olympians,” said CM Mann. Highlighting his government’s focus on strengthening sports infrastructure, CM Mann said the world-class swimming pool is another significant step towards restoring Punjab’s position as the number one sporting state in the country.

“The swimming pool has been constructed at a cost of Rs 9.50 crore in accordance with international standards and Olympic specifications. The pool measures 50 metres by 21 metres, with a depth ranging from 4.5 feet to 7.5 feet and has a water-holding capacity of 2.5 lakh litres,” CM Mann said.

Sharing details of facilities developed at the complex, CM Mann said separate modern shower facilities, changing rooms, dedicated rooms for coaches and storage rooms have been provided to ensure maximum convenience for athletes.

He further said that a modern gymnasium has also been established to help athletes strengthen and condition their muscles.

“A dedicated mini swimming pool has also been developed for children below the age of seven,” said CM Mann. He said the swimming pool has been constructed using the world’s finest Myrtha RenovAction and Classic Modular System technology.

“It features laminated PVC and stainless-steel panels, making it one of the most modern swimming pools in the country. To ensure clean and safe water, a filtration and disinfection system compliant with European standards has been installed,” said CM Mann.

Appealing to parents in Sangrur and the surrounding areas, the Chief Minister urged them to encourage their children to take up sports. “Our government will ensure that there is never any shortage of facilities or funds for the promotion of sports,” CM Mann said.

–IANS

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