Sangrur, 9 September:- Deputy Commissioner Sangrur Smt. Poonamdeep Kaur and Sangrur MLA Smt. Narinder Kaur Bharaj today addressed a press conference here regarding the fourth season of Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan-2026 and shared detailed information about the arrangements for the games, competitions to be held at different levels and opportunities available to players.
Deputy Commissioner Poonamdeep Kaur appealed to the players of the district to participate in Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan-2026 in maximum numbers and showcase their sporting talent. She said that the games are receiving an overwhelming response due to the initiatives being undertaken by the Punjab Government to take sports to the grassroots level and connect people of all age groups, including youth, with sports. This year, a target of up to 10 lakh participants has been set for the games.
She said that players can register for these games through both online and offline modes. For offline registration, the office of the District Sports Officer can be contacted. She said that the district administration is ensuring the necessary arrangements for players participating in the competitions.
MLA Narinder Kaur Bharaj said that Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan, started in 2022 by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, has played an important role in developing a sports culture in Punjab. She said that up to five lakh players have participated in these games so far, while a target of up to 10 lakh participants has been set this time. She said that these games are providing a major platform for players to hone their talent, gain competitive experience and move forward.
She said that under Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan-2026, competitions in 38 sports across 9 age groups, 1 exhibition sport (Tennis Ball Cricket) and 4 para sports are being organised at block, district and state levels. Competitions for boys and girls will be held separately. Winning players will be awarded prize money of more than Rs. 12 crore along with gradation certificates. The age groups include Under-14, Under-17, Under-21, 21-30 years, 31-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years, 61-70 years and above 70 years.
She said that competitions in 7 sports at the block level have already started and will continue till September 18. These include Athletics, Kho-Kho, Kabaddi (National Style), Kabaddi (Circle Style), Football, Volleyball (Smashing) and Volleyball (Shooting).
District-level competitions will be held from September 20 to 30. In addition to the winners of the 7 block-level sports, competitions in 21 sports will be held directly at the district level. Thus, a total of 28 sports competitions will be held at the district level. These 21 sports include Handball, Softball, Judo, Gatka, Kickboxing, Hockey, Netball, Badminton, Basketball, Powerlifting, Lawn Tennis, Wrestling, Swimming, Boxing, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Chess, Shooting, Fencing, Roller Skating and Archery.
Similarly, state-level competitions will be held from October 10 to November 23. In addition to the winners of the 28 district-level sports, competitions in 10 other sports will be held directly at the state level. Thus, a total of 38 sports competitions will be held at the state level. These 10 sports include Gymnastics, Rowing, Kayaking-Canoeing, Wushu, Rugby, Cycling, Equestrian, Taekwondo, Baseball and Karate.
Four para sports competitions will be held from November 25 to 28, including Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball and Para Athletics.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the district administration is making the necessary arrangements to conduct these sports competitions in an organised and smooth manner. She said that Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan are not merely competitions but an important initiative to make Punjab’s younger generation healthy, disciplined and dedicated towards sports.
On this occasion, Assistant Commissioner Rajbir Singh Bhangu, Chairman Zila Parishad Rachhpal Singh Bhullar, Chairman Municipal Improvement Trust Sangrur Pritam Singh Peetu, Moonak/Lehragaga Block President Karamjit Singh Rajlahedi and District President Virasat Sewa Sangathan Charanjit Singh Chann were also present.