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Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab media incharge Baltej Pannu said on Friday that the fourth season of 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan' is going to start from Bathinda tomorrow, the inauguration ceremony of which will be attended by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Well-known Punjabi artists including Gurdas Maan and Kulwinder Billa will perform at the event. He appealed to the people of entire Punjab to participate in these games, support them and encourage the young players of the state.

The fourth season of 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan' will start from Bathinda.

Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab media incharge Baltej Pannu said that Bathinda is hosting the launch of 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan' for the second time. He expressed hope that the fourth season will see a record share of players from all over Punjab. He said, "'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan' is a unique initiative as it connects people of different generations. Grandparents, parents and grandchildren all get the chance to participate and compete. It is not just a sports event, but a movement that is connecting Punjabis with sports and creating a healthy environment for the coming generations."

There will be competitions in 38 sports in 9 age groups

AAP's media in-charge said, "In the fourth season, players across 9 age categories ranging from 14 years to 70 years and above will participate. Competitions will be held in 38 sports and 4 para-sports have also been included. Following the demand of the players, we are also organizing tennis-ball cricket exhibition matches at village level for both boys and girls."

Players will get prize money on time

Baltej Pannu said that the Bhagwant Mann government has ensured that the players get their prize money without any delay. He said, "Whenever a player wins in 'Khedaan Watan Punjab Diyan', the prize money is directly transferred to their account. The government has also ensured timely financial assistance to the athletes representing India in international competitions."

Financial assistance to players of Olympics and Asian Games also

He said, "When our players are preparing to represent the country, they should not worry about money. That is why athletes selected for the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Olympics are given financial assistance for their preparation even before going to the competitions."

Hockey team immediately got help of Rs 1 crore after victory

Recalling the help the Indian hockey team received from the government, Baltej Pannu said, "When the Indian hockey team returned after winning at the international level, the Punjab government immediately transferred Rs 1 crore to the players as promised. The reward money from the Center came later, but Punjab did not keep our players waiting. This shows the commitment of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann towards the players."

Sports stadiums in more than 3,100 villages

Baltej Pannu told, "More than 3,100 village-level sports stadiums are being opened across Punjab. Facilities like floodlights and sports equipment are being provided in these grounds. Children are increasingly using these grounds to play volleyball, football, cricket and other games in the evening."

Sports said to be an important weapon in the war against drugs

Linking the enthusiasm towards sports with the government's ongoing 'War on Drugs' campaign, Baltej Pannu said that sports provide a good alternative to drugs to the youth. "Sports give a right direction and creative options to our youth. The war against drugs cannot be limited to government action alone. Common citizens have also been included in this war through 'Village Defense Committees'. The information received through government machinery is examined and action is taken accordingly."

85 players honored with Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award

Baltej Pannu highlighted the efforts of the government to respect and support the players. Baltej Pannu said, “We want our players to know that Punjab stands with them. In the month of May, 85 players were honored with the Maharaja Ranjit Singh Award, while 11 eminent players have been given the jobs of PCS and DSP. The aim is to ensure that our players can focus on their sports careers without the pressure of financial uncertainty.”

Asian Champions Trophy hosted in Mohali-Jalandhar

He said that Punjab is also going to host the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Mohali and Jalandhar in October-November. “Hosting the Asian Champions Trophy in Mohali and Jalandhar in October-November is a historic moment for Punjab. It is a state that has produced some of the best hockey players in India, and organizing an international level hockey tournament here further cements Punjab's identity as the 'sports powerhouse' of the country.”

'Mashal' roaming across Punjab from 12th August

Baltej Pannu said, "Since 12th August, 'Mashal' has been traveling across Punjab and has received an overwhelming response from the people and renowned players. It has taken the message of 'Sports is the motherland of Punjab' to every corner of the state and has encouraged people to be a part of this sports movement."

Appeal to every Punjabi to participate in sports

Baltej Pannu appealed, "I appeal to every Punjabi to participate in sports, promote our players and be a part of building a healthy and strong Punjab. Everyone should contribute in fulfilling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's dream of 'Rangla Punjab'."