Jalandhar, August 13, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The four-day Innocent Heart Punjab State Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament began at the Raizada Hansraj Badminton Stadium in Jalandhar on Thursday, with around 300 players from all 23 districts of Punjab competing for top honours.
The championship was inaugurated by ADC Jalandhar Divya, IAS, while Dr Rohan Bowry, Director of Innocent Hearts Group, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The tournament features 10 events across junior and senior categories, including singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions for Under-19 boys and girls, as well as senior men and women. The finals and prize distribution ceremony will be held on August 16.
International badminton player Jagsher Singh Khangura was also felicitated by the District Badminton Association, Jalandhar, with a cash award of Rs 31,000 in recognition of his achievements at the international level.
Addressing the gathering, Divya stressed the importance of sports in the overall development of young people. She said participation in sports helps improve physical fitness and mental focus while developing qualities such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance.
She added that regular physical activity helps reduce stress, build confidence and promote a healthier and more balanced future for young people. Divya also appreciated the efforts of the interim committee of the District Badminton Association, Jalandhar, towards improving the standard of the stadium.
Punjab Badminton Association honorary secretary Ritin Khanna said the tournament had brought together players from across the state to compete for top positions. He said the winners and top-performing players would get an opportunity to represent Punjab at the North Zone Badminton Championships, scheduled to be held in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, in the first week of September.
Senior office-bearers of the Punjab Badminton Association and District Badminton Association, including Naresh Budhia, Harpreet Singh, Dhiraj Sharma, Anil Bhatti and Kusum Kaypee, were also present.
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