The Punjab Khed Mela-2022, which is being organized by the Sports Department under the theme of 'Khedan Watan Punjab Deyan', will be kickstarted on August 29 the occasion of National Sports Day with the aim of identifying the skills of sportspersons in the state, creating a sports-friendly environment, health awareness, increasing mutual harmony and community and creating a healthy and colourful Punjab.
In order to take stock of the preparations in this regard, Punjab Sports Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today held a meeting with all the high level civil officials of the district at the District Administrative Complex SAS Nagar.In an informal conversation with the journalists after the meeting, Sports Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that as part of the commitment to restore the lost glory of Punjab in sports, the sports department has drawn up the theme of 'Khedan Watan Punjab Deyan' and the sportsmen who want to participate in the sports fair can register themselves on the portal www.punjabkhedmela2022.in till August 25 .
He said that for the first time in Punjab, the database will be prepared according to the age group and sport of the sportsmen with the online registration of this sports fair.The Punjab Sports Fair which is being organized from block to state level will start with the opening ceremony on the occasion of National Sports Day on August 29, the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand.
He said that Block level competitions will be held from September 1 to 7, district level competitions from September 12 to 22 and state level competitions from October 10 to 21. The Minister said that 28 sports competitions in six groups from under 14 to over 50 years of age will be conducted in which around 5 lakh players from Punjab will participate.
"Winners of recognized sports competitions will be able to get grading in their respective sports"he added.Sports Minister Mr. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said that the age group will be under 14, under 17, under 21, 21-40 years, 40-50 years and above 50 years. The sports fair will also have competitions for para sports players.
He said that the state level gold, silver and bronze medal winners will get Rs 10,000, Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000 and certificates. A total prize money of Rs 6 crore will be distributed. The sports minister said that all the winning players will be covered in the state's gradation policy.
He said that during the sports fair, apart from the winners, dope tests will also be conducted among other players. On this occasion MLA from Mohali Mr. Kulwant Singh, Principal Secretary of Sports Department Raj Kamal Chaudhary, Director Rajesh Dhiman, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Amit Talwar, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Amaninder Kaur, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Pooja S Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) ) Mr. Amardeep Singh Gujral, SDM Mohali Mrs. Sarabjit Kaur SDM Kharar Mr. Ravinder Singh SDM Derabassi Mr. Himanshu Gupta, Assistant Commissioner Mr. Tarsem Chand, DSO Mohali Mrs. Gurdeep Kaur, Chairman Zila Parishad Mrs. jaswinder kaur were present.Among the eminent sportsmen who participated in the meeting were included Mr. Jagjit Singh Jallah (Rowing), SP Traffic Mohali, Ms. Sarabjit Kaur (Athletics) SDM Mohali, Dharamvir Singh (Hockey) DSP Mohali, Mr. Prabhjot Singh (Hockey), Mr. Malakiat Singh (Shooting), Mrs. Jasmine Kaur (Athletics), Monica (Athletics), Mr. Swaran Singh (Athletics), Mr. Malakiat Singh (Athletics), Mr. Gurdeep Singh (Hockey Coach), Mr. Manmohan Singh (Hockey Coach), Mr. Gurjit Singh (Football Coach), Mr. Mandeep Kaushal (Gymnastics Coach).