‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan Season-4’ torch rally gets warm welcome in Jalandhar
₹700-Crore Sports Push to Strengthen Grassroots Infrastructure: Minister Mohinder Bhagat
Babushahi Bureau
Jalandhar (Punjab), August 21, 2026: The torch rally of the fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan 2026-27’ received a warm welcome in Jalandhar on Friday as part of its statewide journey to promote sports and encourage greater participation among youngsters.
Punjab Horticulture and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat, Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia, District Planning Committee Chairman Amritpal Singh and other dignitaries welcomed the Mashal March upon its arrival in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagat said the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had accorded unprecedented priority to sports and earmarked ₹700 crore for the sector.
He said the investment would strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level and help revive Punjab’s rich sporting legacy. The government, he added, was focusing on taking better sports facilities to villages and providing youngsters with opportunities to develop their sporting talent.
Bhagat highlighted the construction of model playgrounds across Punjab, describing the initiative as an important step towards creating a stronger village-level sporting ecosystem.
Sports as a tool against drugs
The Minister also linked the promotion of sports with the government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign against drugs.
He said efforts were being made to engage youngsters in constructive and healthy activities to keep them away from substance abuse. According to Bhagat, combining the anti-drug campaign with sports promotion would help channelise the energy of the younger generation, encourage discipline and contribute to building a healthier society.
The torch reception also featured an athletic display by budding players, who showcased their talent and added enthusiasm to the event.
Games to begin from September 3
Deputy Commissioner Varjeet Walia said the block-level competitions under ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan 2026-27’ Season-4 will be held from September 3 to September 15, followed by district-level games from September 20 to September 30.
The state-level competitions are scheduled from November 10 to November 28.
Walia said the Punjab Government was making efforts to maximise participation by motivating children and players across the state. He urged players to register in large numbers through the Sports Department’s online participation portal using valid identity and age-proof documents.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Amaninder Kaur Brar, SDM Shubhi Angra, District Sports Officer Gupreet Singh, sports enthusiasts and other officials were also present at the event.
The torch rally is aimed at building momentum for the fourth edition of the state-wide sporting initiative and encouraging young people to participate in sports at the grassroots level.