Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday directed officers to ensure foolproof arrangements for the fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan – 2026’, which will commence on September 5 at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda. Chairing a meeting to review preparations for the state’s biggest sporting extravaganza, the Chief Minister said that around 10 lakh players are expected to participate this year, while 38 sports disciplines and four para-sports will provide a wider platform for sporting talent across Punjab.
Sharing a few snippets from this review meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on X: “Today, I held an important meeting with officials to review the preparations for the upcoming season of ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan – 2026’ and took stock of the arrangements. Our government is continuously working to connect the youth of Punjab with sports and make the state number one in sports once again. Attractive cash prizes have also been arranged for the winning athletes participating in these games.”
“I appeal to all the youth and sports enthusiasts of Punjab to participate in these games in large numbers. Scan the given QR code and register yourself today. Let us come together to make Punjab the leading state in sports once again,” he added.
During the review meeting, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that this year, around 10 lakh players will be participating in the event. ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ is the best platform to identify, promote and nurture hidden sporting talent from every village, town and city of Punjab.”
Highlighting the unique character of the games, the Chief Minister said that ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ brings together people from different generations. “In the previous editions, three generations of the same family, namely grandfather, son and grandson, participated in the games,” he said.
He said that players from nine age groups, ranging from 14 years to above 70 years, will participate in this season. A total of 38 sports disciplines will be organised, while four para-sports, namely Athletics, Powerlifting, Badminton and Wheelchair Basketball, have also been included.
Emphasising the importance of wider participation, the Chief Minister said that the registration process has been made simple and completely free of cost. “For the first time, the Sports Department has introduced a QR-code-based registration facility, enabling players to register anytime and from anywhere,” he said.
The Chief Minister said that players can register by visiting sports.punjab.gov.in through the first-ever QR-enabled ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ participation facility. “This is merely a 15-second, minimal-step process for all through the Punjab Sports Portal. I urge the players to submit their details and get ready to compete,” he said.
Registration for the games is currently underway. The Chief Minister said that the quick and simple process has been introduced to make participation convenient for players and encourage more youngsters and sports enthusiasts to join the tournament. “Through these games, the government aims to prepare children and youth for competitions at the national and international levels,” said the Chief Minister, adding that the competitions will be organised at the block, district and state levels.
The Chief Minister said that, for the first time, Tennis Ball Cricket for both boys and girls has been included as a demonstration game, providing an additional opportunity for young players to participate and showcase their talent.
“I have directed the officers to make foolproof arrangements for the smooth and hassle-free conduct of this event,” said the Chief Minister, stressing that all necessary arrangements must be put in place to ensure a well-organised sporting extravaganza and a positive experience for participating players.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, Principal Secretary to CM Dr. Ravi Bhagat, Secretary Sports Varun Roojam, Special Secretary Information and Public Relations Puneet Goyal and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
The games will be held across all 153 blocks of Punjab, while district-level competitions will be organised in all 23 districts. The state-level games will be conducted in 16 districts of the state
The games will conclude on November 29 in Patiala. The Chief Minister said that attractive cash prizes have been kept for state-level medal winners, with Gold Medal winners receiving ₹10,000, Silver Medal winners ₹7,000 and Bronze Medal winners ₹5,000.
