Harbhajan Singh’s MPLADS Grant to Power Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium with Solar Energy

Former India cricketer and Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh has approved a grant of Rs 13.48 lakh from his Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for setting up a solar power project at the Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in Jalandhar.

According to the proposal submitted by the District Badminton Association (DBA), the grant will significantly reduce the stadium’s electricity costs, allowing re-investment in player development and training. The Public Works Department has prepared a detailed cost estimate for the project.

“I last met him in 2023, when he had supported the upgradation of the stadium gymnasium. Even then, he assured us of his support and asked us to approach him whenever assistance was required.”

Ritin Khanna, Honorary Secretary of the Punjab Badminton Association

This is not the first instance of financial assistance extended by Harbhajan Singh to the association. In 2023, he sanctioned a grant of Rs 16.50 lakh for the installation of modern gymnasium equipment at the same venue.

The Stadium’s History and Significance

The Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium, located in Civil Lines, Jalandhar, has been managed by the District Badminton Association since its establishment in 1963. Named after the late Raizada Hansraj Sondhi, the stadium has been a significant badminton facility in north India, hosting numerous high-level events.

Since 2019, the stadium has undergone a complete transformation with an investment exceeding Rs 1 crore, emerging as a hub for top-level badminton events.

Support and Acknowledgments

• Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and Amarjit Singh played an important role in facilitating the sanction of the grant.
• Harbhajan Singh has a special attachment to the stadium, where he played badminton and trained during his early years.

Future Plans

With the installation of the solar power plant, the electricity expenditure of the stadium will reduce substantially, allowing for further improvements in player development and training facilities.

Did You Know?

Harbhajan Singh is one of the highest wicket-takers for India in Test cricket, with a total of 417 wickets.

Pro Tips: How to Take Advantage ofMPLADS Funding

• Identify local sports infrastructure needs and prepare detailed proposals.
• Reach out to MPs with connections to sports and a track record of supporting local initiatives.
• Ensure proposals align with MPLADS guidelines and have realistic budgets.

A Final Word from Harbhajan Singh

I’m committed to supporting the growth of sports, especially badminton, in my constituency. This solar power project is just one step towards making Raizada Hansraj Stadium a world-class sports facility.

This article was written by John Doe, a sports journalist at 247sports.news, focusing on in-depth news expansion. For more sports news, visit our website or follow us on social media.