PATIALA, SEPTEMBER 9:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with the MLAs of Patiala district, today called for concerted efforts to make Patiala the leading district in the fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’. Reviewing registrations and the ongoing preparations for the games at a high-level meeting held here, the Health Minister said that the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government has created a sports-friendly environment across the state by encouraging people of all age groups—from grandfathers to grandsons—to take to the playing fields. He appealed to residents of the district to register in large numbers and participate enthusiastically in ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Neena Mittal, Chetan Singh Jouramajra, Gurlal Ghanour, Kulwant Singh Bazigar and Gurdev Singh Dev Mann; Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal; Devinderpal Singh Mikki, representative of MLA Ajit Pal Singh Kohli; Harpreet Singh Ghuman, representative of MLA Ranjodh Singh Hadana; ADC (Development) Damanjit Singh Mann; SP Rajesh Chhibber; District Sports Officer Navjot Singh Dhaliwal; and representatives of various sports associations and federations of Patiala district.
Emphasizing the need to increase registrations among participants aged 14 to 60 years, Dr. Balbir Singh directed the District Administration, Sports Department and Education Department to work in close coordination to make Season 4 a grand success. He asked officials to involve sports academies, federations and associations, besides government and private schools and colleges across the district. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal assured that the administration would make every possible effort to ensure the successful conduct of the games.
The Health Minister said that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan 2026’ at Bathinda on September 5. The season will conclude with a grand closing ceremony in Patiala on November 29. He said that while previous editions witnessed participation of up to five lakh athletes, the target this year has been set at 10 lakh participants. He called for maximum participation from Patiala district to contribute towards achieving this ambitious target.
Competitions in 38 sports disciplines across nine age groups, along with one demonstration sport—Tennis Ball Cricket—and four para-sports, are being organised at the block, district and state levels for both boys and girls. Prize money of more than ₹12 crore, along with gradation certificates, will be awarded to the winners. The nine age categories are Under-14, Under-17, Under-21, 21–30, 31–40, 41–50, 51–60, 61–70 and Above 70 years.
Block-level competitions in seven sports disciplines have commenced 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 September 30. These will feature winners from the block-level competitions along with 21 newly introduced direct-entry sports, taking the total number of district-level disciplines to 28. The additional disciplines are 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.
MLA Gurlal Ghanour said that state-level competitions will be held from October 10 to November 23. These will comprise winners of the 28 district-level disciplines along with 10 additional direct-entry disciplines, taking the total to 38 sports. The 10 disciplines are Gymnastics, Rowing, Kayaking & Canoeing, Wushu, Rugby, Cycling, Equestrian, Taekwondo, Baseball and Karate.
Competitions in four para-sports—Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball and Para Athletics—will be held from November 25 to November 28.
MLA Chetan Singh Jouramajra said that all district MLAs would personally felicitate the players, coaches, referees and organising staff in recognition of their contribution to the successful conduct of the games.
