New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- Punjab's flagship sporting initiative, 'Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan-2026', began from Bathinda on Saturday, with CM Bhagwant Singh Mann setting an ambitious vision of taking Punjab's sporting talent to the global stage.
The fourth season will bring nearly 10 lakh players aged 14 to over 70 years into 39 sporting disciplines, including four para-sports, while connecting generations and nurturing talent from villages and cities across the state. The event will conclude in Patiala on November 29, with Rs 12.50 crore in prize money for winners, including cash awards for veteran players for the first time. On the occasion, CM Mann also honoured Commonwealth Games-2026 silver medallists Harjinder Kaur and Lovepreet Singh with Rs 50 lakh each, reaffirming the state government's commitment to building a strong sporting ecosystem and providing Punjab's youth with opportunities to excel. The fourth season of 'Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan-2026' began with great fervour and enthusiasm at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, Bathinda, celebrating Punjab's rich sporting and cultural spirit.
The opening ceremony featured vibrant cultural performances, including Bhangra and Giddha, showcasing the state's rich heritage and its deep-rooted connection with sports. Legendary Punjabi artist Gurdas Maan, and Kulwinder Billa also performed at the ceremony, adding to the grandeur and festive atmosphere of the mega sporting event. The celebrations were further marked by a symbolic moment as CM Mann and legendary Gurdas Maan jointly released colourful balloons into the sky, formally commemorating the beginning of the fourth season. The ceremony brought together Punjab's sporting passion, cultural heritage and youthful energy in a vibrant celebration.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.