Terming that "Khedan Vatan Punjab Dean" to usher in a 'Sports Revolution' in the state, Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said, this two-month-long sports extravaganza will fulfill the aim of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to infuse sports enthusiasm in the youth of the state by diverting them from drugs.
"Over 5 lakh budding players of the state would participate in this sports extravaganza, which has been inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann from the Guru Gobind Singh Stadium in Jalandhar on the occasion of the National Sports Day being celebrated to mark the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand, known as 'Magician of Hockey' on August 29", said the Minister, while adding that the Bhagwant Mann government has earmarked prizes worth Rs.6 crore for the winners and all the winning players would be covered under the state's gradation policy.
He said that Bhagwant Mann government is fully committed to create a sports atmosphere in the state.The block level competitions will be held from September 1 to 7.
The winners of the block level competitions will compete in the district level competition from September 12 to 22, while the winners of these competitions would showcase their muscular power in the state level sports competitions from October 10 to 21.
Mr. Meet Hayer said that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's far-sighted vision is to revive the pristine glory of Punjab in the field of sports and this sports fest would be another step towards realizing the dream of bringing Punjab's numero-uno position in sports.
The Sports and Youth Services Department has made fool-proof arrangements for these games, which would grasp the budding sports talent besides raising the level of sports and connecting more and more people with sports to create a healthy atmosphere in Punjab.
He said that the sportsperson desirous to participate in these games can register online at www.punjabkhedmela2022.in up till August 30. Sportsperson of six age groups including under-14, under-17, under-21, 21-40 years, 40-50 years and above 50 years will participate in block to state level competitions in 28 recognized sports covered under the gradation list.
He said that volleyball, athletics, football, kabaddi (National Style), kho-kho and tug-of-war competitions would be held at block level, while handball, softball, judo, roller-skating, gatka, kick-boxing, hockey, netball, badminton, basketball, power lifting, lawn-tennis, wrestling, swimming, boxing, table tennis and weightlifting would be held at district level in addition to the competitions of block level.
Likewise, competitions in fencing, archery, shooting, rowing, gymnastics and chess would be held at the state level apart from the district level games.
Only table tennis, lawn tennis, badminton, volleyball and athletics competitions would be held for the age group of 41-50 years and above 50 years, and certificates would be awarded to the winners.
Minister said that to promote sports in the state and to give due respect to the players, the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has recently awarded 23 medal winners and participating players of Birmingham Commonwealth Games with cash prizes worth Rs.9.30 crore.
He reiterated that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann led state government was committed to restoring the pristine glory of the state of Punjab in sports and making every effort to provide world class sports facilities to players.