Teams from Taran Tarn, Fazilka give Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan a miss

The state-level chess and volleyball games of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan began on Friday in Jalandhar. In chess, players (girls and boys) in the U-17 category, participated in the event. However, as many as 10 teams gave the state-level tournament a miss. No participation of girls players were reported from districts such as Tarn Taran, Mansa, Malerkotla, Fazilka, Pathankot and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Similarly, no players in the U-17 boys’ category came from the Tarn Taran, Mansa, Bathinda and Fazilka districts.

The players were seen accompanied by their parents and coaches. The parents were sitting outside the hall on the chairs waiting for the results.

In a team, there are four players. Only one or two players from a few districts came, who were sent back as they couldn’t get qualify for the game.

In chess, under the U-17 girls’ category, the Jalandhar team won the game while second and third positions were clinched by Mohali and Patiala.

Punjab Horticulture Minister Mohinder Bhagat inaugurated the event. He lauded the unique initiative aimed at fostering a vibrant sports culture across the state.

Bhagat highlighted the overwhelming public response to the games and emphasised their role in increasing Punjabi athletes’ representation in national and international arenas. He expressed optimism that the third edition would set new benchmarks of success in sports.

“Sports are vital for physical fitness and discipline. They also serve as an effective antidote to drug addiction, as individuals engaged in sports seldom fall into such traps,” Bhagat remarked.