Mohali (SAS Nagar), August 9, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Youth Wing organised the 5.5-km ‘Punjab Youth Run 2026’ in Mohali on Sunday as part of the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign, drawing thousands of youngsters, sportspersons and residents to promote fitness, sports and a drug-free lifestyle.
The run began from Gurdwara Sri Amb Sahib, with participation from youngsters, women, senior citizens and sportspersons from different parts of Punjab. Participants were presented with T-shirts and medals, while winners received cash prizes of up to Rs 11,000.
AAP Punjab Youth Wing president and MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura said the response reflected people’s desire for a healthier and drug-free Punjab.
“The event was not merely a political programme but an initiative for Punjab and its people,” Lalpura said.
He announced that similar marathon events would be organised in Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda and Ludhiana to take the message of fitness, sports and a drug-free Punjab to more parts of the state.
AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer congratulated the Youth Wing and organisers, saying that bringing youngsters closer to playgrounds and encouraging fitness were important components of the fight against drugs.
Highlighting the state government’s focus on sports, Hayer claimed that Punjab’s sports budget had increased from around Rs 150 crore when he took charge of the Sports Department to approximately Rs 1,800 crore at present.
He also urged participants to treat fitness as a daily habit rather than a one-day activity, encouraging them to incorporate walking, running and exercise into their routines.
AAP MP Malvinder Singh Kang also praised the initiative and said physical activity should become an integral part of everyday life.
He said programmes that encourage young people to take up sports and healthy activities were important for building a stronger and drug-free Punjab.
The AAP leaders reiterated that similar initiatives would be organised across the state to promote sports, fitness and healthy living as part of the broader campaign against drugs.
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