Mohali/Chandigarh, June 7, 2026: – Under the leadership of Punjab Mandi Board Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat, the 'All India State Agricultural Marketing Board T-20 Cricket Tournament 2026 (Season 2)' is being organized, featuring teams from agricultural marketing boards across various states of the country. Teams from the Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Delhi State Agricultural Marketing Boards have arrived to participate in this tournament.
Prior to the formal commencement of the tournament—scheduled from June 7 to June 12—Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat hosted a special dinner for the players of all participating teams at Kisan Bhawan, Chandigarh. During the event, players and officials from the various state teams were accorded a warm welcome. S. Barsat welcomed the teams and players by presenting them with bouquets and interacted with them personally. He also encouraged all the players to deliver outstanding performances during the tournament.
In his address, the Punjab Mandi Board Chairman emphasized the importance of sports. He highlighted that the Board has opened state *mandis* (markets) as indoor stadiums during the 'off-season' to engage children in sports and provide free coaching. Under this initiative, children are being trained in basketball at Malout and Sultanpur Lodhi, badminton at Sri Muktsar Sahib, and skating at the Rampura Phul mandi.
S. Barsat remarked that sports are an integral part of life, teaching discipline, time management, and team spirit. He stated that sports are crucial for keeping today's youth away from substance abuse and encouraging a healthy lifestyle, noting that participating in sports alongside professional duties is essential. Amidst the daily hustle and bustle, sports serve as a vital means of keeping individuals mentally and physically rejuvenated. Only when our bodies and minds are healthy can we perform our duties and public services more effectively.
Expressing his delight, S. Barsat remarked that such national-level tournaments provide employees and officials from various states across the country with an opportunity to understand each other's cultures and strengthen bonds of brotherhood. He stated that this T-20 cricket tournament would continue until June 12. The Punjab Mandi Board has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the tournament's success. Senior officials and staff of the Punjab Mandi Board were also present at the event held at Kisan Bhawan.