Kabaddi tournament held at Muthada Kalan to wean away youth from drugs
PHILLAUR (JALANDHAR), October 5: The Punjab Government’s efforts to promote sports at the grassroots level and channel young people towards healthy and constructive pursuits received a boost with a rural Kabaddi tournament and tug-of-war competition organised at Muthada Kalan village in Phillaur. The event featured a special showcase match between international Kabaddi clubs NRI Nakodar and Malwa Lions, drawing participation and enthusiasm from the local community.
Addressing the gathering, Batala MLA Sherry Kalsi, Advisor to the Punjab Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department Deepak Bali, and Halqa Incharge Harjot Kaur Lohtiya stressed the role of sporting activities in keeping youngsters away from drugs and encouraging them to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Speaking further, they said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, was giving priority to sports as an effective means of engaging youth and reviving Punjab’s rich sporting culture. They also appreciated the local organisers for promoting traditional Punjabi sports and creating opportunities for young people to participate in competitive activities.
They highlighted the Punjab Government’s flagship “Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan” initiative, which seeks to strengthen the state’s sporting ecosystem by bringing together athletes across age groups, from under-14 participants to senior citizens. The programme has provided opportunities for athletes through competitions, cash prizes, national-level exposure and employment-related incentives.
The government has also focused on strengthening sports infrastructure in rural areas, they said adding that more than 3,100 rural playgrounds have been developed across the state, alongside the establishment of modern gyms in villages.
They mentioned that with increased investment in sports facilities and financial assistance for athletes preparing for major competitions, the Punjab Government aims to provide youngsters with better sporting opportunities while reviving Punjab’s position as a leading sporting state.
The initiatives also aimed at building a healthier, more active and drug-free generation by providing youth with meaningful avenues for recreation, competition and achievement.
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