Punjab is all set to witness the grand launch of the third edition of the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Dian’ — a state-level sports festival that promises to be a massive celebration of athletic talent and youth empowerment. Scheduled to begin on August 29, coinciding with National Sports Day, the event will kick off from the War Heroes Stadium in Sangrur, marking the birth anniversary of the legendary Hockey Wizard Major Dhyan Chand.

In a ceremony held on Monday, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled the official T-shirt and logo for this year’s edition, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be the largest sporting event in the state’s history.

The Chief Minister expressed immense pride in the scale of this year’s event, noting that an estimated five lakh players will compete across nine age groups in 37 different sports disciplines. The inclusion of para-sports such as Athletics, Badminton, and Powerlifting is particularly noteworthy, as it marks the first time these categories have been integrated into the games. The participation of para-athletes from Punjab who are gearing up for the Paris Paralympics adds a special significance to the event.

The Khedan Watan Punjab Dian is not just about competition; it’s about channeling the energy and enthusiasm of Punjab’s youth towards a positive and productive direction. Chief Minister Mann emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step in the state's ongoing battle against drug addiction, offering young people a healthy and constructive outlet for their energies. The event will unfold over more than two months, with block-level competitions running from September 1-10, district-level contests from September 15-22, and the grand finale at the state level from October 11 to November 9.

The scale of this event is matched by its rewards. A staggering Rs nine crore in cash prizes will be distributed to the winners, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in Punjab. This year’s prize pool surpasses that of the previous edition, where Rs 8.87 crore was awarded to 12,500 winners among the 4.5 lakh participants. The increasing participation and the enhanced prize money reflect the growing importance and prestige of the Khedan Watan Punjab Dian in the state’s sporting calendar.