Punjab to host 4th Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan sports event

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has announced the fourth edition of ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’, scheduled to run from September 5 to November 29. The state government aims to involve more than 10 lakh participants across nine age groups, ranging from 14 to over 70 years old.

The event is designed to identify and nurture sporting talent in villages and cities to prepare youth for national and international competitions. It also serves as a strategic initiative to channel youth energy toward sports as a means to combat drug abuse. The 2026 edition will feature 38 sports disciplines, including four para-sports: Para Athletics, Para Powerlifting, Para Badminton, and Wheelchair Basketball. Tennis Ball Cricket will also be included as a demonstration sport.

The games will begin with an opening ceremony at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda and conclude in Patiala. To facilitate participation, the government has introduced a free, QR-code-based registration system. For the first time, a massive budget of ₹1,794 crore has been allocated for sports, which includes the development of 3,148 sports grounds and 6,000 gyms in villages.