Kila Raipur, Feb 18: The second day of the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics drew thousands of spectators to the historic stadium on Wednesday, marking a significant resurgence of Punjab’s rural sporting traditions. The focus of the afternoon were the legendary bullock cart races, which resumed this year following a 12-year suspension, drawing families and youth from across the state and beyond.
The event was attended by Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and State Media Head Baltej Singh Pannu. Beside the headline races, the festival featured a diverse array of traditional athletic disciplines, including Kabaddi bouts, hockey matches, and tug-of-war contests. The atmosphere remained electric as the crowd supported local athletes in shot put, long jump, and 100-meter sprints, alongside a traditional Bazigar performance.
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan addressed the gathering, stating that the revival of the bullock cart races represents a historic milestone for the state’s cultural preservation. He affirmed that this return was made possible through the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, which introduced legislative reforms and animal welfare safeguards. Sandhwan maintained that reconnecting the youth with such authentic traditions is essential to steer them away from drug use and digital distractions.
Baltej Singh Pannu also spoke at the venue, noting that the massive spectator turnout is a testament to the event’s success. He stated that the resumption of the races has restored the glory of the Rural Olympics as a symbol of rural vigor. Under the current administration’s vision, Pannu declared, past challenges were overcome to bring back the iconic event with proper legal and safety frameworks in place.
The day concluded with several athletic finals witnessed by Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and other senior district officials. Authorities maintained that the overwhelming response on the second day indicates a deep emotional bond between the people of Punjab and their sporting heritage.
