Patiala, October 13 (Press Ki Taquat)
The 45th All India Electricity Sports Control Board (AIESCB) Athletics Meet began with great enthusiasm and fervor at the National Institute of Sports in Patiala on Friday.
Hosted by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), under the guidance Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the event witnessed a significant turnout of athletes from different states and Union Territories, including Maharashtra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Delhi, and BBMB.
The event’s chief guest, S. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Punjab Sports Minister, received a warm welcome and inaugurated the meet by hoisting the flag. All participating teams conducted a spirited march past, setting the tone for the competitions.
During his address to the gathering, Sports Minister Meet Hayer highlighted the Punjab Government’s commitment to promoting sports in the state. He mentioned that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the government has been actively encouraging sports and athletes. He said that the state government is in the process of developing a new sports policy that places a strong emphasis on rewarding athletes with cash prizes, offering employment opportunities, and fostering the growth of young sports talent.
He proudly announced that during the recent Asian Games, 32 players from Punjab clinched a total of 20 medals, including 8 gold, 6 silver, and 6 bronze medals, marking the best-ever performance in the 72-year history of the Games.
Sports Minister Meet Hayer congratulated PSPCL for hosting the grand event and extended hearty greetings to all the participants and other guests while wishing the participants to perform to the best of their abilities.
Er. Baldev Singh Sran, CMD of PSPCL, delivered a warm welcome address to the athletes and attendees, expressing his delight at hosting this prestigious event and commending the athletes for their dedication to their respective sports. He said that the 45th AIESCB Athletics Meet is poised to be a testament to the spirit of sportsmanship and healthy competition, bringing together talented athletes from different corners of India under one roof. As the event unfolds, all eyes will be on these athletes as they strive to achieve their personal best and make their mark in the world of athletics.
S. Jasbir Singh Sur Singh, Director (Admin), PSPCL extended warm welcome to all the participants and guests and conveyed good wishes to them while ensuring them of best hospitality during this two-day meet.
The day’s schedule included a wide range of athletic events, featuring competitions such as the 800m race, 110m hurdles, Triple Jump, Discus Throw, 200m race, 400m hurdles, High Jump, 4X100m relay, Hammer Throw and 5000m race. The competition promises to be intense, with athletes from across the country showcasing their skills and determination in pursuit of victory.
