Chandigarh, August 20: The fourth season of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan is set to begin on September 5, bringing together participants across nine age categories in a competitive structure designed to surface grassroots talent. Organized across block, district, and state levels, the tournament features competitions in 38 traditional categories and four para-sports disciplines scheduled to be hosted in Ludhiana from November 25 to 28.
State leadership asserted that expanding sports access remains central to the state’s broader development vision.
“Through these games, we aim to prepare our children and youth for competitions at the national and international levels,” Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated. “Promotion of sports culture can be the most effective tool in the state government’s crusade against drugs.”
The administration highlighted several structural enhancements for the 2026 edition, including digital QR-code athlete registration and financial support measures under the updated 2023 Sports Policy. Under this policy framework, the state offers preparation grants of ₹15 lakh for Olympic contenders and ₹8 lakh for Asian and Commonwealth Games aspirants. Furthermore, medal winners up to 40 years old remain eligible for official sports quota job certifications.
Infrastructure improvements run parallel to the event, with work proceeding on 3,100 ‘Pendu Khed Maidan’ rural grounds and sports medicine facilities. State-level matches will roll out in three separate phases between October 10 and November 23 across 16 host districts. The sports campaign aligns with other major sporting events in the region, including the upcoming hosting of the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar and Mohali.
