Sultanpur Lodhi, September 11: Improvement Trust Chairman and Arjuna Awardee Sajjan Singh Cheema on Friday inaugurated the block-level competitions of the fourth edition of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan at Dadwindi.
Addressing the gathering, Sajjan Singh Cheema said that competitions in three sports, including Kho-Kho, Volleyball and Kabaddi, would be held at the block level. He said that Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan was an ambitious sporting initiative of the Punjab Government, aimed at channelizing the energy of youth towards positive activities and encouraging them to stay away from the menace of drugs. He added that this sporting festival provides a platform for players of different age groups to showcase their talent and promotes a culture of sports and fitness across the state.
He said that under Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, competitions in 38 sports, one exhibition sport Tennis Ball Cricket and four para sports were being conducted at the block, district and state levels across nine age categories. Separate competitions are being held for boys and girls. He said that the winners would be awarded prize money of over Rs 12 crore along with gradation certificates. He said that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was making concerted efforts to ensure that youngsters got adequate opportunities, facilities and encouragement to excel in sports. He called upon the participating players to give their best, maintain discipline and sportsmanship, and use these competitions as a stepping stone towards higher-level sporting achievements.
District Sports Officer Kulwinder Singh and the coaches of the Sports Department were also present during the function.
