Jalandhar, August 23, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Thousands of young people and sportspersons participated in the ‘Youth Run Punjab 2026’ in Jalandhar on Sunday, sending a message in favour of a drug-free, healthy and progressive Punjab.
Organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Youth Wing as part of the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the marathon sought to encourage young people to choose sports, fitness and constructive activities over drugs and despair.
Senior AAP leader and Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s OSD Rajbir Singh Ghumman flagged off the marathon. Cash prizes of up to Rs 11,000 were distributed among the winners, while participants were also given T-shirts and medals.
Addressing the gathering, Sisodia said the event represented a Punjab moving forward by leaving behind drugs, despair and a mindset of giving up.
He said the enthusiasm shown by thousands of young participants demonstrated their determination to adopt healthier and more constructive lifestyles. Sisodia said Punjab was moving beyond its earlier “Udta Punjab” image towards a “Khelta-Daudta Punjab”, with young people increasingly embracing sports and fitness.
AAP Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy said the participation reflected growing enthusiasm among Punjab’s youth to contribute towards building a “Rangla Punjab”. He said the AAP Youth Wing was working to connect young people across the state with constructive activities.
Goldy urged youngsters to make sports part of their daily routine, saying even 30 minutes to an hour of physical activity could contribute to a healthier lifestyle and a drug-free society.
He congratulated Youth Wing president and MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura, vice-president Veer Davinder Singh and other members of the team for organising the event.
AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said the Mann government was working to steer Punjab’s youth towards sports and education. He said the strong participation in the Jalandhar event was a sign of renewed enthusiasm among young people for building a healthier and more vibrant Punjab.
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