Tarn Taran December 15 – 1st National level Panchayat Yuva Karida Aur Khel Abhiyan Tournament group-2 for boys and Girls( under-16) started with great fanfare at Guru Arjan Dev Stadium, here today. Sh. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Hon’ble Sports & Youth Services Minister Pb. took the salute as many as 1500 participants wearing colourful track suits from 27 states from all over the country and formally declared the tournament open.
On this great occasion, Sports Minister inaugurated the sports stadium namely Guru Arjan Dev Stadium. The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Sh. Khushi Ram, I.A.S. Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran, Sh. Harinder Singh Chahal, I.P.S., S.S.P. Tarn Taran, Sh. Jagjit Singh Pannu and Sh. Hazari Lal Sharma, Deputy Director Sports, Jalandhar Division. Mr. Ranike also addressed the participants. In his brief speech, he inspired the participants to take part in sports in the true spirit of sportsmanship and keep themselves away from the drugs. He also announced that Punjab Govt. will give boost to sports through new policies prepared by the Govt. and the winner of Olympic Medal will get Rs. 1.00 Crore and a Gazzetted post in Govt. department.
Earlier Sh. Khushi Ram, I.A.S. Deputy Commissioner Tarn Taran gave a warm welcome to the Chief Guest and distinguished guests. He also assured that the district administration will provide all the help to uplift sports in the district. Padma Shree Pargat Singh, Director Sports Punjab thanked the Chief Guest and raised hope that this policy “Panchayat Yuva Karida Aur Khel Abhiyan of Govt. of India, Ministry of Sports & Youth Affairs“ will do a wonder in the villages and villages are the best feeder to the nation in sports.
The Torch bearing ceremony was performed by Kirpal Singh, fourth in Common Wealth Games (Discuss Throw), Inderjit Singh, Gold Medalist in Common Wealth in 400 mtrs., Sukhjinder Singh, Bronze Medal in National Games (Triple Jump), Navjot Kaur, Jr. National Champion (Wrestling), Hardeep Singh Arjuna Awardee and Asian Gold Medalist (Kabaddi) and Randhir Singh Arjuna Awardee and Jr. World Champion (Wrestling). Kushbir Kaur of Weight Lifting took the oath on behalf of all the participants.
A Cultural Programme, Giddha was performed by the girls of Govt. Sr. Sec. School, Tarn Taran and Bhangra was performed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh Sr. Sec. School and Govt. Sr. Sec. School for boys, Tarn Taran.
26 Boys teams in Football, 18 boys teams in Tug of War, 24 boys teams and 18 girls teams in Volleyball and 12 boys teams and 11 girls teams in Weight Lifting are participating in this inaugural tournament.