India, Nov. 12 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday inaugurated 1,000 more Pendu Khed Maidan, taking the number of village sports grounds opened so far to 1,764 against a target of 3,100. The event was held at Shahpur village in Fatehgarh Sahib.

Mann said the initiative was aimed at drawing young people towards sports and keeping them away from drugs. He said Punjab was laying the foundation to become a hub of international sporting talent. The government is providing football, hockey, volleyball and cricket kits for the grounds.

The chief minister said 255 grounds were dedicated in the first phase on May 4 and another 509 in the second phase on August 24. The third phase added 1,000 grounds, including 93 in Fatehga...