Ludhiana, Feb. 18 -- The 86th edition of the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics commenced on a historic and emotional note here on Tuesday, as the iconic bullock cart races returned after a 12-year gap, drawing unprecedented enthusiasm from across Punjab and even abroad.

The revival of the bullock cart races turned the opening day into a grand celebration of Punjab's traditional sporting heritage. As many as 142 participants registered themselves for the races. As soon as the carts lined up on the track, the crowd erupted in cheers.

Punjab cabinet minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who inaugurated the three-day rural sports festival, said while addressing the gathering that the return of the races became possible after the Punjab Prevention of Cru...