Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Friday said the fourth season of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ will begin from Bathinda tomorrow, with CM Bhagwant Singh Mann attending the opening ceremony. Renowned Punjabi artists, including Gurdas Maan and Kulwinder Billa, will also perform at the event. He appealed to people across Punjab to actively participate in and support the Games and encourage the state’s young athletes.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said Bathinda is hosting the opening of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ for the second time and expressed confidence that the fourth season would witness record participation from players across Punjab. “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan is unique because it brings together people from different generations. Grandparents, parents and grandchildren all get an opportunity to participate and compete. This is not merely a sporting event, but a movement that is connecting Punjabis with sports and creating a healthier environment for the coming generations,” he said.
The AAP Media In-charge stated, “The fourth season will have participation from players aged 14 years to 70 years and above across nine age categories. Competitions will be held in 38 sports, and four para-sports have also been included. We have also accepted the demand of players and are organising village-level tennis-ball cricket exhibition competitions for both boys and girls.”
Baltej Pannu said the Bhagwant Mann government has ensured that players receive their prize money without unnecessary delays. “Whenever a player wins in Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, the prize money is transferred directly into their account. The government has also ensured timely financial support for athletes who represent India at international competitions,” he said.
He said, “Our players should not have to worry about money when they are preparing to represent the country. That is why athletes selected for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympics are provided financial assistance for their preparation even before they leave for the competitions.”
Recalling the government’s support to the Indian hockey team, Baltej Pannu said, “When the Indian hockey team returned after winning internationally, the Punjab government immediately transferred the promised ₹1 crore each to the players. The Centre’s prize money came later, but Punjab did not make our players wait. This reflects the commitment of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann towards sportspersons.”
Baltej Pannu said, “More than 3,100 village-level sports stadiums are being made functional across Punjab. These grounds are being equipped with facilities such as floodlights and sports equipment. Children are increasingly using these grounds in the evenings to play volleyball, football, cricket and other sports.”
Linking the promotion of sports with the government’s ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, Baltej Pannu said sports provide young people with a positive alternative to drugs. “Sports give our youth a positive direction and a constructive alternative. The fight against drugs cannot be limited to government action alone. Through Village Defence Committees, ordinary citizens have also been involved in this fight. Information received through government mechanisms is verified and action is taken accordingly,” he said.
Baltej Pannu also highlighted the government’s efforts to honour and support sportspersons. “We want our sportspersons to know that Punjab stands behind them. Eighty-five players were honoured with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Awards in May, while 11 renowned sportspersons have been provided PCS and DSP jobs. The purpose is to ensure that our players can concentrate on their sporting careers without the pressure of financial uncertainty,” said Baltej Pannu.
He said Punjab is also set to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Mohali and Jalandhar in October-November. “Hosting the Asian Champions Trophy in Mohali and Jalandhar in October-November is a historic moment for Punjab. This is a state that has produced some of India’s greatest hockey players, and bringing an international-level hockey tournament here further strengthens Punjab’s identity as the country’s sporting powerhouse,” he said.
Baltej Pannu asserted, “The ‘Mashaal’ has been travelling across Punjab since August 12 and has received an enthusiastic response from people and renowned sportspersons. It has carried the message of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan to different parts of the state and encouraged people to become part of this sporting movement.”
Baltej Pannu, “I appeal to every Punjabi to attend the Games, encourage our players and become a partner in building a healthier and stronger Punjab. Everyone should contribute positively towards realising the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s dream of a Rangla Punjab.”
