Chandigarh(Narinder Jagga): Belongs to the descendants of seven Sikh Guru, out of ten, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi has been inducted as Cabinet Minister, Punjab. Consecutive four times MLA from Guru Har Sahai, Rana has been designated with Sports and Youth Affairs department as it was his own choice. He is known close to CM Amrinder Singh. Former International Shooter, former president of Softball Association of India and former President of Boxing Association, Chandigarh, he still himself feels very good player. He was the first and alone leader of the Rai Sikh Community, dominated in Guru Har Sahai Area for his role in getting them Scheduled Caste status during the Captain Government-1 during 2002-07. To be a film star is also a part of his talent along with Sportster and Politician. While talking to Daily Post, he shared his experiences and priorities.

DP- What will be your priority as Sports Minister?

Sodhi- In the field of Sports, my first priority will be to review the Sports policy immediately after assuming office, tomorrow. I have sought a copy of policy and soon a meeting will be held with Secretary and Director Sports to make a roadmap and a blue print would be prepared for the upliftment of Sports and Players. In another priority, the department will study which game players are in which area, so that sports facilities can be provided to players according to their choice of game as shooting rage would be prepared in Ferozepur, Hockey stadium in Jalandhar and Football court in Hoshiarpur as there are number of players in such area according to games.The Government will review price money for Maharaja Ranjit Singh award as it could not be awarded for last many years.DP- Will the Government continue World Kabaddi Cup, initiated in previous Government?

Sodhi- No as it was Akali Dal event, sponsored by the Previous Government. But we will promote Kabaddi, Boxing, Wrestling, Shooting, Hockey, football and other games. We will prepare world level infrastructure for games and help will be also sought from the Corporates and other institutions. It will be also including in our priority how to make financially solid to players, for such purpose we will provide more jobs opportunities. We will reorganise Sport Policy and make amendments.DP-Is the sports department is of your choice?

Sodhi-Of course, as a Sportsman, I always prefer to work for Sports. In the Captain Government-1, as Chief Parliamentary Secretary, I had preferred to choose Sports department. Now I prefer to choose Sports. It is the department, where we create sportsman for not only State, but also for country as well as for world. International shooter Abhinav Bindra is our creation and we are proud of him.

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