category Regional, mohali , , tags Regional, mohali , , DW BUREAU mohali Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer on Sunday inaugurated the All India Civil Services Cricket Tournament by taking to the field himself. As many as 39 teams from different States, UTs and Regional Sports Boards across the country are participating in this tournament being conducted by the Sports Department, Punjab from March 12 to 19. These players are employees of their respective state and central government departments. During the opening ceremony at the Sports Stadium in Sector 78, Meet Hayer formally inaugurated the tournament by hitting a shot with the bat. He was also introduced to the captains of all the teams. Speaking earlier, he welcomed the players of all the teams and wished them for better performance. He shared his memories of playing cricket from his childhood and said that he still plays cricket when he gets time. Describing the sports sector as the top priority of the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led State Government, Meet Hayer said that this time the budget of the sports department has been kept at Rs. 258 Cr which is more than 55 percent as compared to last year. This will give a big boost to the sports sector. Earlier, Director Sports Amit Talwar welcomed the Chief Guest and all the teams and briefed about the tournament. On this occasion, players from other states were very impressed by the martial art Gatka and Jugni Bhangra Academy s folk dance Bhangra performances. Prominent among others who were present at the occasion included Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy, District Planning Board Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, ADC (General) Amaninder Kaur Brar and District Sports Officer Gurdeep Kaur. (editor dailyworld.in)