Sukhwinder Singh Bindra Attends Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship as Chief Guest
Ludhiana, 7 February 2026: The Asian Junior Soft Tennis Championship 2026 is being organized from 4th to 8th February 2026 at Harvest Tennis Academy, Jassowal, Ludhiana. The inaugural ceremony of the championship was graced by Sukhwinder Singh Bindra, Member (NISD) and Special Invitee/Member (NCCDR), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. On this occasion, Amit Hira Sodhi, President, Soft Tennis Association Punjab, and Narinderpal Singh, General Secretary, Soft Tennis Association Punjab, honored Sukhwinder Singh Bindra.
It is noteworthy that this prestigious international championship will witness participation of nearly 1,000 players and officials from 25 Asian countries. While addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Sukhwinder Singh Bindra congratulated the Soft Tennis Association Punjab, Asian Soft Tennis Federation, and Soft Tennis Federation of India for organizing such a large-scale sporting event and extended his best wishes to all the players.
Bindra emphasized the importance of sports in safeguarding the youth from drug abuse. He stated that in the coming time, sports kits will be distributed to encourage young people to stay away from drugs and actively participate in sports. He further added that more initiatives will be undertaken to channel the energy of the youth in a positive direction and inspire them towards sports.
Speaking on the occasion, Sukhwinder Singh Bindra said that his department is continuously working to keep the youth away from substance abuse. He added that the department, along with Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Dr. Virendra Kumar, will continue working for the welfare of youth, and every possible effort will be made for their well-being, development, and to keep them away from drugs. He also highlighted the significant role of youth empowerment and awareness programs in preventing substance abuse.
Interacting with the players, Bindra shared that he has earlier served as the State Chairperson of the Punjab Youth Development Board (Government of Punjab). During his tenure, he undertook several initiatives to keep youth away from drugs and promote sports. Free sports kits were distributed to youth through youth clubs, colleges, and universities to encourage sports participation. He also ensured full support to players facing any difficulties, so that their sporting careers were not hindered. He added that even today, his department continues to extend complete support to athletes.
In conclusion, Sukhwinder Singh Bindra expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, and Cabinet Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar for their visionary leadership and dedicated efforts towards youth empowerment.