Defending the growing presence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representatives in the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA), Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said political involvement in sports bodies was neither new nor inappropriate, provided it contributed to the welfare of sport.Citing precedents, Mann referred to leaders such as Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, Raninder Singh and Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi, who have previously held positions in various sports associations.His remarks came in the backdrop of the recent election of Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer as PCA general secretary. Hayer, elected unopposed, is believed to be the first sitting Member of Parliament to hold the post. He replaced Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, who stepped down within days of his own unopposed election.With AAP functionaries now occupying key positions such as president, treasurer and vice-president, the PCA—affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)—has seen a significant political shift in its leadership structure.Responding to criticism over alleged “infiltration”, Mann said: “Isn’t it good (if AAP representatives are in the system)? Are they ‘goons’? We shall have our representatives (in the system)…and those who are doing welfare for the sports shall come forward.”“It has been said that the AAP representatives infiltrated the system, are they ‘detectives’? If there’s an occurrence, when they favour or benefit some of their blood relatives or others… that shall come under radar, wreaking havoc in all matters shall be avoided,” he added.Maintaining that the government’s focus was on transparency and efficiency, Mann said: “We are not among them. Those (coaches or individuals) who know how to do the welfare of the sports and possess knowledge, they will push forward. The AAP representatives shall go to every sport (perhaps he meant associations) and make things smooth and transparent for the welfare of the players and the state.”The Chief Minister was speaking during an interaction with the media where he also highlighted the AAP government’s development initiatives over the past four years. Praising Punjab’s sporting achievements, he said the state would continue to invest in grassroots infrastructure.On the proposed Sports Nurseries and Hostels outlined in the 2023 Sports Policy, Mann said these would be developed in phases, particularly in districts with a high number of villages, as part of the ongoing expansion of sports infrastructure.