Rupnagar, August 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The torch relay for ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian 2026’ reached Rupnagar on Wednesday, drawing an enthusiastic reception from players, athletes and sports enthusiasts as the Punjab government stepped up efforts to promote a sporting culture among youth across the state.
The torch arrived in Rupnagar from Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district and was welcomed by Chamkaur Sahib MLA Dr Charanjit Singh Channi. Rupnagar MLA Advocate Dinesh Chadha, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal, SSP Rupnagar Maninder Singh and a large number of players and sports lovers also participated in the welcome programme.
Dinesh Chadha said the Punjab government’s initiatives to take sports to the grassroots and encourage young people to participate were commendable. He said ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian’ had generated renewed enthusiasm for sports in villages and cities and provided children and youth with opportunities to showcase their talent. He urged young people to participate actively and bring laurels to Punjab and the country.
Deputy Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal said the state government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, was encouraging children and youth to take up sports as part of its efforts to build a healthy, drug-free Punjab. He said the games were providing a platform for athletes to develop their skills and compete at national and international levels.
SSP Maninder Singh said sports could channel the energy of young people in a constructive direction while promoting discipline, confidence and team spirit. He encouraged youth to participate in sporting activities in large numbers.
The torch was subsequently carried by players in a run from Nehru Stadium to Bela Chowk and back. More than 500 players participated in the torch march. The torch will be handed over to the Shahid Bhagat Singh Nagar district on the morning of August 20 for the next leg of the relay.
District Sports Officer Jagjivan Singh said the block-level tournaments under ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian 2026’ would begin in September 2026. The competitions will include athletics, football, volleyball, shooting, volleyball smashing, kho-kho, circle-style kabaddi and national-style kabaddi.
The events will be organised separately for boys and girls in the Under-14, Under-17, Under-21, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 and above-70 age categories. Interested players can register online through the Punjab government’s sports portal at sports.punjab.gov.in/login.
The event was attended by Rupnagar Municipal Council president Inderpal Singh Raju Satyal, Market Committee Rupnagar chairman Bhag Singh Madan, Improvement Trust Rupnagar chairman Shiv Kumar Lalpura, Amandeep Singh, coaches of the district sports department and other dignitaries.
FOLLOW NOW
