Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday inaugurated the fourth season of ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan-2026’ at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda.
The state’s flagship sporting event will see around 10 lakh players between the ages of 14 and over 70 participate across 39 sports disciplines, including four para-sports. The mega sports event will conclude in Patiala on November 29.
The four para-sports included this year are athletics, powerlifting, badminton and wheelchair basketball. For the first time, tennis-ball cricket for boys and girls has also been included as a demonstration sport.
Mann said the Games aim to identify and nurture sporting talent from Punjab’s villages and cities while encouraging youngsters to choose sports
and healthy activities.
“Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan is the best platform for identifying, nurturing and polishing hidden sporting talent from every corner of Punjab’s villages and cities,” Mann said, adding that the state government is committed to preparing children for competitions at national and international levels.
The opening ceremony featured cultural performances, including Bhangra and Giddha. Punjabi singers Gurdas Maan and Kulwinder Billa also performed at the event.
During the ceremony, 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.
Rs 12.50 Crore Prize Money
The Punjab government has announced Rs 12.50 crore in prize money for the Games. For the first time, veteran athletes will also receive cash prizes.
State-level gold medal winners will receive Rs 10,000, while silver and bronze medal winners will get Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000, respectively.
The Chief Minister said that the first three editions of the Games saw Rs 25.51 crore distributed among medal winners.
Mann said the government is working to strengthen sports infrastructure across the state, particularly in rural areas.
According to the government, 3,148 rural sports grounds are being developed across Punjab, with 750 already inaugurated. Around 6,000 gyms are also being established.
He said the state government has earmarked a large sports budget and is providing financial assistance to athletes preparing for major national and international competitions.
Mann expressed confidence that Punjab’s athletes would make a major contribution to India’s performance at the 2036 Olympics.
He also urged parents to encourage children to take up sports, saying participation would help develop fitness, discipline, confidence and team spirit even if a child does not win a medal.
