The Torch Relay for the third edition of “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” 2024-25 received an enthusiastic welcome at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Sector 78, Mohali. District Commissioner Aashika Jain led the warm reception, underscoring the event’s significance in bolstering Punjab’s sporting culture and nurturing young talent.
The torch arrived in Mohali as part of its journey through Punjab, marking the district as the 13th stop in its statewide tour. The relay entered Mohali from Kurali, greeted warmly by SDM Kharar Gurmander Singh at the inter-district border, located outside Khalsa Senior Secondary School.
Speaking at the event, DC Aashika Jain highlighted the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who aims to establish Punjab as a premier sports hub in the country. The torch’s arrival signifies the buildup to the grand launch of “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” at Sangrur, scheduled for August 29, 2024.
Jain emphasized the importance of online registration for participants, available at Punjab E-Services. The registration deadline is August 29, with block-level competitions set to commence from September 2 to 7 across Kharar, Kurali, Mohali, and Derabassi.
At the block level, athletes will compete in seven sports, with the scope expanding to 37 games for district and state-level contests. DC Jain, during her interaction with handball players at the sports complex, urged them to strive for excellence and make their mark at the state level.
Highlighting recent achievements, Jain noted that Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann recently honored the Punjab-origin players of the Indian Hockey team who secured a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. The players were awarded cash prizes up to one crore, alongside recognition for other Olympic participants from Punjab.
The torch made a brief stop at Sector 78 Stadium before proceeding to the next district. The ceremonial handover was conducted by District Sports Officer Rupesh Begra, who passed the torch to representatives from Fatehgarh Sahib on the Landra-Chunni route.
The reception was attended by ADC (Urban Development) Damanjit Singh Mann, SDM Mohali Deepankar Garg, Tehsildar Arjun Singh Grewal, and District Sports Officer Rupesh Begra, along with coaches and young athletes from the sports complex.
As the Torch Relay continues its journey, the excitement builds for the upcoming sports festivities, which promise to further invigorate the region’s athletic spirit.
