The grand closing ceremony of “Khelo Chandigarh Games 2026,” organized by the Sports Cell of BJP Chandigarh, was held at the Convention Centre, Panjab University, Sector-25, Chandigarh. The event witnessed the remarkable presence of athletes, sports enthusiasts, and distinguished dignitaries.
Union Minister of State and Member of Parliament S.P. Singh Baghel graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Haryana Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma attended as the Guest of Honour. Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Satnam Singh Sandhu was present as the Special Guest.
Prominent dignitaries on the dais included BJP Chandigarh President Jitender Pal Malhotra, Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi, State General Secretaries Ramveer Bhatti, Sanjeev Rana and Shakti Prakash Devshali, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig, Director Sports Rakesh Malik, and Sports Cell Convener Prabhjeet Singh Lamba.
During the closing ceremony, athletes who delivered outstanding performances in various sporting events were felicitated. Medals and certificates were awarded to players securing first, second, and third positions in their respective competitions. The dignitaries congratulated the athletes and wished them a bright future.
Chief Guest S.P. Singh Baghel congratulated the BJP Chandigarh Sports Cell for organizing such a grand event and stated that the Sports Cell is undertaking commendable and visionary work that is generally expected from a sports ministry. He remarked that an event of this scale would inspire other political parties to organize similar positive initiatives for youth.
He emphasized that a healthy mind resides in a healthy body, and a healthy mind is essential for building a strong, prosperous, and developed nation. He urged young people to make sports an integral part of their lives.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana Cabinet Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma described Khelo Chandigarh Games as a highly commendable and exemplary initiative. He stated that today’s athletes are the nation-builders of tomorrow and that the future of the country lies in the hands of its youth.
He said sports are not merely about winning or losing but serve as a powerful medium for developing discipline, leadership, confidence, and team spirit. Encouraging the players, he urged them to continue participating in sports, remain dedicated to their goals, and bring pride to the nation and society.
He added that such events provide a platform for young talent and help produce future champions for the country. BJP Chandigarh President Jitender Pal Malhotra expressed special gratitude to Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig and Director Sports Rakesh Malik, stating that the successful organization of such a large-scale event would not have been possible without their support, guidance, and coordination.
He appreciated Sports Cell Convener Prabhjeet Singh Lamba, noting that the concept and proposal for Khelo Chandigarh Games were first put forward by him, resulting in a platform that has benefited thousands of young athletes. He informed that a total of 2,652 players were registered for the competition and participated enthusiastically in various sporting events.
He appealed to the people of Chandigarh to attend sports competitions whenever possible and encourage athletes, as public support provides players with renewed motivation and confidence. Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu stated that India is continuously achieving new milestones in sports, education, science, and innovation on the global stage.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, unprecedented efforts have been made to promote a strong sporting culture across the country, and the positive results are now visible nationwide. He emphasized that youth power is India’s greatest strength and that sports play a vital role in shaping disciplined, self-reliant, and nation-oriented citizens.
He called upon athletes to embrace the spirit of sports and contribute towards making India one of the world’s leading sporting nations. The ceremony concluded with best wishes for the bright future of the athletes, a renewed commitment to promoting sportsmanship, and a collective resolve to build a healthy, strong, and developed India.