Jarkhar Sports Fest begins today
The 38th edition of Jarkhar Sports Festival, also known as Rural Mini Olympics, will begin on Friday, said officials, adding that it will come to a close on February 15.
The festival is organised by Mata Sahib Kaur Sports Charitable Trust at Jarkhar village on Ludhiana-Malerkotla road, they said.
Trust chairperson Narendra Pal Singh Sidhu, chief organiser Jagroop Singh Jarkhar and president Harkamal Singh said on Thursday that the opening ceremony will be held at 11 am. They were addressing a press conference at Guru Nanak Stadium.
The event will feature a march past by school students, cultural performances and lighting of the sports torch by national and international players. Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond will declare the games open and MLA Jeevan Singh Sangowal will preside over the function, the officials added.
At least seven imminent personalities, including former Director General of Punjab Police Chandrashekhar and Padma Shri-awardee Baldev Singh, will be honoured during the closing ceremony on February 15.
Major attractions of the games include hockey, kabaddi, football and tug-of-war competitions, along with events for students from primary schools. The winners will receive 70 bicycles and cash prizes, including Rs 2.5 lakh for kabaddi and Rs 10 lakh for football, said Jagroop Singh.
A cultural programme featuring renowned Punjabi singer Satvinder Bitti and other artists will be held on the concluding day. Free langar (community meals) and refreshments will be arranged for players and spectators, said Jarkhar.
