Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced that the Punjab government will organise the fourth edition of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan from September 5 to November 29, with a target of involving more than 10 lakh participants across all age groups. The grand sporting event, aimed at reviving Punjab’s sporting culture and channelising the energy of youth towards sports, will begin with the opening ceremony at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda and conclude with the closing ceremony in Patiala. The 2026 edition has been planned as the biggest edition of the sporting extravaganza so far.
Taking to X, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated: “Sports will be made the biggest weapon to channelise the energy of youth and fight against drugs, with the Punjab Government launching Season 4 of ‘Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan’ from Bathinda on September 5. More than 10 lakh players are expected to take to the playgrounds this year, with the grand finale scheduled to be held in Patiala on November 29.”
“For the first time, a massive budget of ₹1,794 crore has been allocated for sports. Along with developing 3,148 sports grounds and 6,000 gyms in villages, special work is also being undertaken in the field of sports medicine. Let us witness three generations of Punjabis playing together on the same field and make Punjab a leading state in sports,” the post concluded.
Addressing a press release conference, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The fourth edition of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan will commence on September 5 and the games will be inaugurated at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium in Bathinda. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that this year our target is to involve 10 lakh players. Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan is the best platform to identify, promote and nurture hidden sporting talent from every village, town and city of Punjab.”
The Chief Minister stated, “Through these games, we aim to prepare our children and youth for competitions at the national and international levels. A unique feature of Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan is that it brings different generations together. In previous editions, three generations of the same family, including grandfather, son and grandson, participated in the games. This year, players from nine age groups will participate, ranging from 14 years to above 70 years of age.”