AI Generated Summary
- Senior officials, including Central Jail Superintendent Gurcharan Singh Dhaliwal and Additional SP Jaideep Singh, were present at the ceremony, which concluded with a message of reform, resilience, and hope for a new beginning among the participants.
- The closing ceremony, held inside the jail premises, was attended by Punjab Jails and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, who distributed prizes to the winners and encouraged prisoners across the state to turn a new leaf.
- Inmates at Central Jail Patiala showcased determination and sporting spirit as the Punjab Prison Olympics–2026 concluded on Wednesday, highlighting the state’s focus on rehabilitation through constructive activities.
Inmates at Central Jail Patiala showcased determination and sporting spirit as the Punjab Prison Olympics–2026 concluded on Wednesday, highlighting the state’s focus on rehabilitation through constructive activities.
The closing ceremony, held inside the jail premises, was attended by Punjab Jails and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, who distributed prizes to the winners and encouraged prisoners across the state to turn a new leaf. Addressing the gathering, he stressed that the objective of the games was to channel inmates’ energy into positive pursuits and inspire them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
The week-long sporting event featured a wide range of competitions designed to promote teamwork and discipline. Male inmates competed in events such as tug-of-war, kabaddi, volleyball, badminton, chess, athletics, drawing, long jump, and shot put, while women participants took part in chess, drawing, badminton singles and doubles, athletics, long jump, and shot put. Patiala Zone secured the overall championship title, with Faridkot Zone finishing second and Kapurthala Zone taking third place.
Speaking during the ceremony, Bhullar highlighted several reform-oriented initiatives introduced by the state government, including skill-development programmes aimed at preparing inmates for employment after their release. He noted that projects such as petrol pumps being established outside prison complexes would offer well-behaved inmates opportunities for meaningful work and smoother reintegration into society.
The minister said that sports-based initiatives play a crucial role in fostering confidence, discipline, and a healthy environment within prisons. He also reiterated the government’s firm stance against organised crime, stating that individuals involved in extortion, drug trafficking, or violence would face strict action without exception.
According to Bhullar, the upcoming high-security jail in Ludhiana—designed to house hardened criminals and high-profile offenders under advanced surveillance—will become operational by the end of the year. He added that prisons across the state are being equipped with modern technology, including AI-enabled CCTV systems, full-body and baggage scanners, X-ray machines, sniffer dogs, metal detectors, walkie-talkies, and 5G-enabled V-Kavach jammers to prevent the smuggling of contraband.
Earlier, Jail Training School Principal Varun Sharma welcomed the guests and presented a report on ongoing training programmes. During the event, appointment letters were also handed over to nine individuals selected for government positions in the Jail Department on compassionate grounds.
Senior officials, including Central Jail Superintendent Gurcharan Singh Dhaliwal and Additional SP Jaideep Singh, were present at the ceremony, which concluded with a message of reform, resilience, and hope for a new beginning among the participants.
