Chandigarh, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : The fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ is set to kick off in Bathinda on Saturday, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attending the inaugural ceremony. The event will feature performances by popular Punjabi artists like Gurdaas Maan and Kulwinder Billa.
This season will showcase competitions in 38 sports, engaging players aged 14 to over 70 across nine age categories. It will also include four para-sports events and exhibition matches in village-level tennis-ball cricket. Athletes will receive prize money directly into their accounts, ensuring timely financial support for those selected for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics. The Punjab government is launching over 3,100 village-level sports stadiums, emphasizing the role of sports in steering youth away from substance abuse and towards a healthier lifestyle.
‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ is a unique initiative that unites people from different generations. Grandparents, parents, and grandchildren will all have the chance to participate and compete. This event is more than just a sports competition; it is a movement that fosters community engagement and promotes a healthy environment for future generations.
In this season, players from 14 to over 70 years old will compete in nine age categories. The competitions will feature 38 sports, including four para-sports. Additionally, exhibition matches for both boys and girls in village-level tennis-ball cricket have been organized based on player demand.
Baltej Pannu, Punjab’s media in-charge, stated on Friday that the Bhagwant Mann government is committed to ensuring athletes receive their prize money without unnecessary delays. He emphasized, “Whenever a player wins in Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, the prize money is transferred directly to their account. The government has also ensured timely financial assistance for players representing India in international competitions.”
He added, “Our athletes preparing to represent the country should not have to worry about finances. Therefore, financial support is provided to those selected for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympics before they leave for competitions.”
Pannu highlighted the Punjab government’s support for the Indian hockey team, noting, “When the Indian hockey team returned victorious from an international event, the Punjab government promptly paid each player ₹1 crore as promised. The central government’s prize money came later, but Punjab did not make our players wait. This reflects Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s commitment to supporting athletes.”
He further mentioned that over 3,100 village-level sports stadiums are being established across Punjab. These facilities will be equipped with floodlights and sports equipment, encouraging children to engage in volleyball, football, cricket, and other sports during the evenings.
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