Amritsar, April 10 The Punjab government will build 6,000 new sports stadiums across the state to promote sports among youth and help keep them away from drugs, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said on Friday.
Around 3,000 stadiums have already been developed, and the new initiative will further strengthen sports infrastructure here, he added.
Addressing a gathering at Lopoke village in Amritsar district, Cheema said connecting youth with sports is crucial to protecting them from drug abuse.
"The government is making budget provisions to promote sports and create employment opportunities," he said.
Reiterating the government's commitment to eliminate the drug menace, Cheema highlighted the success of the "Yudh Nashean Virudh" campaign, which has led to the arrest and imprisonment of several major drug traffickers.
The minister also announced development projects worth Rs 50 crore for the Raja Sansi Assembly constituency and Rs 20 lakh for the development of Lopoke village.
Earlier, Cheema inaugurated the first Kabaddi Cup organised at Shaheed Bhai Mewa Singh Lopoke Stadium.