Bathinda, January 9:- For the first time, the heart of Punjab, Bathinda city will witness a historic confluence of sports, entertainment and anti-drug movement. Under the "War on Drugs" campaign launched under the "Rangla Punjab" vision of the Honorable Chief Minister of Punjab S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and the positive thinking of the Convener of Aam Aadmi Party Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, under the leadership of the dynamic and energetic Mayor Mr. Padamjit Singh Mehta, the Bathinda Premier League is being organized on a large scale in Bathinda.
Giving this information during a press conference held today, Mayor Mr. Padamjit Singh Mehta announced that the Bathinda Premier League is being launched on January 12 at 5 pm with great fanfare at the Shaheed Bhagat Singh Multipurpose Sports Stadium in Bathinda. Senior Deputy Mayor Mr. Sham Lal Jain was also present on the occasion.
Mayor Mr. Mehta said that this league will prove to be a powerful initiative to make Punjab drug-free and connect the youth with sports. He said that for the first time in the history of Punjab, big stars of Bollywood and cricket are coming to Bathinda at the same time, which will become a source of inspiration for the youth. He said that the funds of the Municipal Corporation have not been used in the Bathinda Premier League being organized with the support of the people of Bathinda.
A unique confluence of culture, entertainment and sports: This event will begin with Shri Ganesh Vandana. This will be followed by colorful cultural programs including Giddha, Bhangra and fire show. Special arrangements have been made for the entertainment of children, including Mickey Mouse. Dance groups from Mumbai and Chandigarh will also captivate the audience with their enchanting performances. From the entertainment world, Bollywood actresses Ameesha Patel and Zareen Khan will perform, while Nooran Sisters, Master Saleem and Masha Ali will enthrall the audience with their melodious singing.
The special presence of international cricketer Harbhajan Singh on this historic occasion will boost the enthusiasm of the budding cricketers of Bathinda. 50 wards, 50 teams and 115 matches: The Mayor said that 50 teams from 50 wards of Bathinda will face each other in this Premier League. Ten pools have been formed for the tournament, 10 matches will be played in each pool. A total of 115 matches will be organized, which will be held every Saturday and Sunday.
He said that this historic Bathinda Premier League will start on January 12, while from February 5, teams from 50 wards of Bathinda will take to the field in this great battle and show their strength to become champions. The Mayor said that big prizes will be given to the winning teams in the quarter finals, semi finals and finals, information about which will be given to the public through the media from time to time.
Free entry, pass facility: Seating arrangements for this event are completely free, although passes have been arranged for entry. Spectators can obtain passes from their respective ward councilors. Apart from this, passes can also be obtained from the Mayor's Office (Bathinda Municipal Corporation), Mayor's Office Ward No. 48, Rajiv Gandhi Market, and Hotel Gold Star, Bibi Wala Road.
Mayor Mr. Mehta appealed to the public to reach the stadium early and take their seats despite the pass, as all the gates will be closed once the stadium is full. Finally, the Mayor reiterated that the Bathinda Premier League will provide a new direction and strength to the "War on Drugs" campaign launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Sardar Bhagwant Singh Mann and the inspiring vision of Mr. Arvind Kejriwal and will play a significant role in making Bathinda drug free.