Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
Punjab Horticulture, Freedom Fighters and Defence Services Welfare Minister Mohinder Bhagat on Monday inaugurated the block-level sports competitions of Jalandhar West under ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan-2026’ at Government Arts and Sports College, Jalandhar.
Addressing the gathering, Bhagat said the annual sporting initiative has played a key role in promoting a strong sports culture across Punjab. He said the competitions have encouraged youngsters to take up sports while providing athletes from different age groups a platform to showcase their talent.
The minister said Punjab has entered a new era of sports under the efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with players from the state bringing laurels to Punjab and India at national and international levels. He said the government is working to build a “Rangla Punjab” by connecting youth with sports and channelising their energy in a positive direction.
Bhagat said modern sports grounds are being developed at the village level to strengthen grassroots infrastructure. He added that the government is providing financial assistance to athletes for training and offering cash rewards and government jobs to players who achieve international-level success.
Urging youngsters to stay away from drugs, Bhagat called upon them to actively participate in sports to help build a healthy and drug-free Punjab.
On the occasion, the minister congratulated Gurinderbir Singh, a 100-metre athlete, and Rashdeep Kaur, a 4x100-metre relay runner, both associated with the Athletics Coaching Centre Sports School, on their selection for the Asian Games.
Earlier, Bhagat inaugurated a volleyball match and interacted with players, encouraging them to maintain discipline and uphold the spirit of sportsmanship.
District Sports Officer Gurpreet Singh Bajwa welcomed the minister. He said competitions in athletics, volleyball smashing and shooting, circle-style and national-style kabaddi, kho-kho and football were held on the opening day across Nurmahal, Nakodar, Lohian, Shahkot, Jalandhar West and Mehatpur blocks.
BDPO Seva Singh, athletics coaches Bikramjit Singh, Sarabjit Singh and Sunil Kumar, volleyball coach Amritpal Singh, Junior Athletics Coach Twinkle Chaudhary and other dignitaries were also present.
