Punjab News: The Punjab government is going to organize the fourth edition of 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan' on a large scale this year. According to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, this edition of the Games will begin from September 5 and conclude on November 29 in Patiala. The inauguration ceremony will be held at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, Bathinda. This time more than 10 lakh players ranging from 14 years to above 70 years of age are expected to participate. The objective of the government is to identify the hidden sports talents in villages, towns and cities, develop them and prepare them for national and international competitions.
There will be competitions in 38 sports
This year a total of 38 sports disciplines have been included in 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan'. These also include four para sports like Para athletics, Para powerlifting, Para badminton and wheelchair basketball. For the first time, tennis ball cricket has been included as a demonstration sport for men and women. The competitions will be held at block, district and state levels in all 153 blocks and 23 districts of Punjab. State level competitions will be held in 16 districts in three phases from October 10 to November 23. State level competitions of Para sports will be held in Ludhiana from 25 to 28 November.
Awards to players and benefits in government jobs
At the state level, gold medal winners will get a cash prize of Rs 10,000, silver medal winners will get Rs 7,000 and bronze medal winners will get Rs 5,000. Gradation certificates will also be given to medal winners up to the age of 40 years, so that they will be able to avail the benefits of sports quota in government jobs. This time the facility of code based registration has also been started for the players. Registration is completely free and players can also apply through the sports department portal.
Torch march will create an atmosphere of sports
The torch march of 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan' has started on 12th August. It will pass through all the districts of Punjab before reaching Bathinda on September 5. The government believes that sports are an effective medium to keep the youth away from drugs and channelize their energy in a positive direction.
New sports talent will emerge from villages
The Chief Minister said that the government wants to identify talents from villages and prepare them for big national and international platforms. Thousands of rural sports grounds are being developed in the state and a huge budget has been provisioned for sports. Lakhs of players took part in the last three editions and prize money of Rs 25.51 crore was distributed.
Referring to the sports achievements of Punjab, the Chief Minister said that the players of the state have also performed brilliantly in the Asian Games. The government aims to further strengthen the sports culture, provide positive opportunities to the youth and make Punjab again a leading state in sports.