Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the revival of traditional bullock cart races after legal amendments while addressing the historic Kila Raipur Rural Olympics in Ludhiana.
The Chief Minister said that previous governments had imposed a ban on bullock cart races, but his government amended the law to restart them, preserving Punjab’s rural heritage. He emphasized that sports are the most powerful weapon to eliminate drug abuse and announced an increase in the sports budget in the upcoming state budget.
Highlighting the importance of youth engagement, Mann stated that when young people participate in sports and bring medals home, the need for anti-drug campaigns will automatically decline. He added that the government is promoting sports at a large scale to channel youth energy in a positive direction.
The Chief Minister also spoke about the New Sports Policy 2023, aimed at reviving Punjab’s sporting glory. Under this policy, stadiums will be developed in every village, and infrastructure improvements will be accelerated.
During the event, several development projects were announced for Punjab, including the beautification of a pond spread over eight acres in Kila Raipur, construction of a modern library, installation of floodlights in the stadium, and road upgrades worth crores.
Mann noted that the revival of the Rural Olympics reflects Punjab’s rich cultural heritage. The games, often referred to as “Mini Olympics,” have a long history dating back to 1933 and have featured legendary athletes like Milkha Singh.
He further stated that the government’s “War Against Drugs” campaign is being strengthened through sports initiatives, as they play a crucial role in keeping youth away from addiction.
The Chief Minister also urged citizens to enroll in the state’s health insurance scheme, offering coverage up to ₹10 lakh per family, benefiting nearly 65 lakh families across the state.
