SAS Nagar, August 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Torch Relay of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan—Season 4’ received an enthusiastic welcome in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (SAS Nagar) district on Tuesday after entering the district from Fatehgarh Sahib.
The relay was received at the Sports Complex in Phase 78, Mohali, where a sporting event was organised to promote sportsmanship and encourage greater participation among the youth.
Sri Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang, SAS Nagar MLA Kulwant Singh and Punjab Youth Development Board Chairman Parminder Singh Goldy led the relay. Captain of India’s victorious 2016 Junior Hockey World Cup team Harjit Singh Tuli and Dronacharya Awardee Jiwanjot Singh also participated.
District Planning Committee Chairperson Prabhjot Kaur, District Traders Commission Chairman Ranjit Pal Singh, Mohali SDM Damandeep Kaur, District Sports Officer Umeshwari Sharma and District Education Officer Dr Ginni Duggal accompanied the relay.
Sportspersons, students and sports enthusiasts participated in large numbers, while performances by budding gymnasts and bhangra teams added to the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Kang said the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ initiative, launched by the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had created opportunities for budding sportspersons at block, district and state levels. He said cash prizes, improved sporting facilities and opportunities to compete at different levels had boosted the morale of young athletes.
Kang, who won a national-level basketball gold medal during his student days, said the launch of the fourth season reflected the government’s continued commitment to sports. He said the initiative would help connect youth with sports, keep them away from drugs and channel their energy towards constructive activities.
Highlighting Punjab’s sporting legacy, Kang said athletes from the state had represented and led India in disciplines including hockey, men’s and women’s cricket and basketball. He said the government was developing sports infrastructure and creating opportunities for athletes to compete at state, national and international levels.
Kulwant Singh said modern sports infrastructure, including facilities at the village level, was opening new opportunities for rural youth. He said players could now progress through a structured system from village-level competitions to district, state, national and international events.
He also highlighted the government’s focus on education, healthcare and sports, besides its policy of offering government jobs to outstanding international sportspersons, which he said would inspire young athletes.
Parminder Singh Goldy, recalling his hockey coaching days with Harjit Singh Tuli, said talented players needed opportunities and a supportive environment to realise their potential. He said the Punjab Government had increased the sports budget to Rs 1,800 crore, strengthening the state’s sports infrastructure and ecosystem.
Prabhjot Kaur and Ranjit Pal Singh also addressed the gathering and extended their best wishes to the participating sportspersons and youth.
The Season 4 competitions will be held in phases across Punjab. Block-level competitions are scheduled from September 3 to 15, district-level events from September 20 to 30, and state-level competitions from October 10 to November 28.
The Torch Relay is intended to spread the message of sports, fitness, discipline and healthy living and encourage young people across Punjab to participate actively in sporting activities.
District Sports Officer Umeshwari Sharma said the relay would move to Rupnagar district on August 19, carrying forward its message of sportsmanship, fitness and active participation among the youth.
FOLLOW NOW
