Punjab Newsline | Bathinda
The fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ will begin from Bathinda on September 5, providing young athletes across Punjab with a major platform to showcase their talent. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a total of 38 sports competitions will be organised as part of Season 4, with a large number of players expected to participate.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab government is continuously working to strengthen the sports culture in the state and encourage youngsters to take up sports. As part of these efforts, a budget of ₹1,744 crore has been allocated specifically for sports this year. He described the allocation as an important milestone in Punjab’s sporting history, saying that such a significant amount has been earmarked for sports for the first time.
The government is focusing on providing players with better facilities, training opportunities and platforms to participate in competitive events. The ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ initiative is aimed at identifying and encouraging sporting talent at the grassroots level while creating greater enthusiasm for sports among the youth.
Bhagwant Singh Mann also said that Punjab is moving ahead in hosting major international sporting events. For the first time since Independence, Punjab will host the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy. Matches of the prestigious tournament will be held in Jalandhar and Mohali during October and November. The event is expected to further strengthen Punjab’s position on the international sports map and provide local sports fans an opportunity to witness high-level hockey action.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Punjab’s contribution to Indian sports and said it was a matter of pride for the state. He pointed out that Palpreet Singh Brar is the captain of the Indian basketball team, while Harmanpreet Singh leads the Indian hockey team. Shubman Gill is the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team, while Harmanpreet Kaur leads the Indian women’s cricket team.
The achievements of these athletes, he said, are an inspiration for the younger generation and reflect Punjab’s strong sporting legacy.
With Season 4 of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’, the state aims to provide more youngsters with opportunities to compete, showcase their skills and move forward in sports. The opening of the event in Bathinda is expected to give fresh momentum to the sporting spirit across Punjab.
