DTF demands dedicated budget, sports teachers in Govt schools
Ferozepur, May 16, 2025: The Democratic Teachers Front (DTF) has strongly criticised the Punjab government following the state's disappointing performance in the 'Khelo India Youth Games 2025', where Punjab slipped from 8th position last year to 13th this year.
Held in Bihar from May 4 to 15 under the aegis of the Sports Authority of India, the national-level event concluded with Maharashtra leading the medal tally with 158 medals (58 gold, 47 silver, 53 bronze), followed by Haryana with 117 (39 gold, 27 silver, 51 bronze) and Rajasthan with 60 (24 gold, 12 silver, 24 bronze).
In contrast, Punjab secured only 47 medals — 8 gold, 14 silver, and 25 bronze — despite sending a contingent of 250 students. Notably, the gold medals were limited to judo, gatka, shooting (2 each), and gymnastics and weightlifting (1 each). No other sport yielded a top podium finish.
DTF leaders Vikramdev Singh, President, Mahinder Kaurwali, General Secretary, and Ashwini Awasthi, Finance Secretary, expressed concern over the government's misplaced priorities. They pointed out that although the Sports Department falls directly under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and a budget of ₹13 crore was earmarked for Punjab’s sports sector, only 15% was allocated to schools.
They also criticised the massive spending on advertisements, while schools continue to lack basic infrastructure and support for nurturing sporting talent. Comparing the situation with Delhi’s model, they highlighted a glaring disparity: while Delhi spends approximately ₹20,000 per student under the sports quota, Punjab spends a meagre ₹1,200.
The DTF has urged the government to allocate a separate budget for school sports and to recruit sports teachers, especially at the primary level. They recommended making sports a compulsory subject up to Class 12, and appointing a Sports Director with an Olympic background who should have the autonomy to make sports-related decisions.
DTF leaders, including Rajiv Barnala, Gurpyar Kotli, Beant Fullewal, Jagpal Bangi, Harjinder Wadala Bangar, Raghveer Bhawanigarh, Malkit Singh Haraj, Amit Kumar, and Sarabjit Singh Bhawra, also emphasized that only individuals with a strong sports background should be entrusted with managing the sports department within school education.