Bathinda hosts Youth Run Punjab 2026 to combat drug abuse

The Punjab government organized the ‘Youth Run Punjab 2026’ in Bathinda as part of its ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign to combat drug abuse and promote physical fitness among young people. The event saw a large turnout, with reports indicating between 20,000 and 25,000 youths and athletes participated.

Winners in various categories received medals and cash prizes, with first-place finishers awarded Rs 11,000. AAP leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal and Anurag Dhanda, praised the initiative, stating that the high level of engagement reflects a renewed sense of hope and a shift toward healthier lifestyles in the state.

This event follows a similar run held in Jalandhar in August. The campaign aims to strengthen the state's efforts to steer the younger generation away from narcotics and toward sports and active living.