Mohali:
The torch relay for Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan has reached Mohali, bringing the message of sports, fitness and youth participation to the city ahead of the fourth edition of Punjab’s flagship sporting event.
The arrival of the torch marks an important part of the build-up to the 2026-27 edition of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan. The state government’s sports initiative, launched in 2022, has been aimed at encouraging people of different age groups to participate in organised sports and providing a platform for emerging athletes to showcase their talent.
The torch was welcomed in Mohali amid participation from players, sports enthusiasts and officials. Such torch relays are organised to create enthusiasm around the games and encourage young people to register and take part in sporting competitions.
The 2026-27 edition is scheduled to be conducted in multiple stages. According to the announced programme, block-level competitions will be held from September 3 to September 15, followed by district-level competitions from September 20 to September 30. The state-level competitions are scheduled to take place from November 10 to November 28.
The games are expected to bring together athletes from across Punjab in a wide range of sporting disciplines. The programme has become an important platform for grassroots athletes, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to large state-level competitions.
For Mohali, the torch’s arrival also highlights the city’s role in Punjab’s sporting infrastructure. The district has several sports facilities and has hosted competitions under previous editions of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan.
The Multipurpose Sports Complex in Sector 78 has previously been an important venue for sporting activities and torch-relay events associated with the games. The city’s sports facilities have also been used for training in disciplines including athletics, football, handball, wrestling, basketball and other sports.
The wider objective of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan is to build a stronger sporting culture at the grassroots level. By organising competitions at block, district and state levels, the programme provides players with opportunities to compete progressively against stronger opponents.
The initiative also seeks to bring people of different age groups into organised sporting activity. Participation is not restricted only to young athletes, with competitions being conducted across several age categories.
The torch relay adds a symbolic element to this process. As the torch travels through different parts of Punjab, it serves as a public reminder of the upcoming competitions and encourages communities to participate in the sporting programme.
For young athletes in Mohali, the arrival of the torch is also an opportunity to look ahead to the competitions beginning next month. Players preparing in different disciplines can use the coming weeks to complete registration, training and other preparations for the block-level events.
The Punjab Government has continued to position Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan as part of its broader effort to promote sports and provide more opportunities for athletes at the grassroots level. The programme has also been linked with efforts to encourage young people towards fitness and away from unhealthy lifestyles.
With the torch now reaching Mohali, attention will shift towards the upcoming competitions and preparations at the district level. The success of the 2026-27 edition will depend not only on the participation of established athletes but also on how many new players use the platform to enter organised competitive sport.
The torch relay therefore represents more than the start of another sporting calendar. For many young players, it marks an opportunity to compete, gain experience and potentially take the next step towards higher levels of sports competition. As Punjab prepares for the fourth edition of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan, the arrival of the torch in Mohali has added momentum to the state’s preparations and renewed the focus on building a stronger sporting culture among the next generation.
