Bathinda, September 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Nearly 20,000 youngsters and sportspersons participated in Punjab’s biggest ‘Youth Run Punjab-2026’ in Bathinda on Sunday, sending a strong message in favour of sports, fitness and a drug-free Punjab.
The event, organised as part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, saw enthusiastic participation from children, youth, women and senior citizens. Winners were awarded cash prizes of up to Rs 11,000, while all participants received T-shirts and participation medals.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal hailed the response, saying the event reflected renewed hope and enthusiasm among Punjab’s youth.
“This is the new Punjab. That lost hope is back. You can see the spark in our youth. With the support of the Punjab government, the youth are taking the lead to clear the drug menace from Punjab. This is heartwarming,” Kejriwal said in a post on X.
Speaking to the media, CM Mann’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghuman said the marathon was being organised under the directions of Mann and Kejriwal and was the third event in the series after its launch in Mohali.
“People of all ages and from all walks of life have participated with great enthusiasm. This shows the love and enthusiasm of Punjabis towards sports and fitness,” Ghuman said.
Taking aim at the negative portrayal of Punjab, Ghuman said the massive turnout offered an answer to the “Udta Punjab” narrative.
“Today, we want to show them ‘Charda Punjab, Khed’da Punjab and Bhajda Punjab – Rangla Punjab’,” he said.
Ghuman said the participation was organic, with people registering themselves and joining the event voluntarily. He described the turnout as a strong indication that Punjab was moving towards sports, fitness and a drug-free future.
He congratulated Bathinda residents for the response, saying it had set a new benchmark for upcoming marathons in Patiala and Ludhiana.
Ghuman said similar events would continue across Punjab and appealed to people to encourage youngsters to choose sports and fitness over drugs.
The Bathinda event has added significant momentum to the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, reinforcing the message that Punjab’s youth are choosing the sporting field over drugs.
FOLLOW NOW
