Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics 2026 concludes at Central Jail in Patiala
Patiala Zone emerged as the overall champion, followed by Faridkot Zone in second place and Kapurthala Zone in third
Inmates at Central Jail, Patiala, showcased their skills at Punjab Prison Olympics-2026, which concluded on Wednesday. Punjab Jails and Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar attended the event and urged inmates to rectify their past mistakes and start anew with dignity and purpose. “The whole purpose of these games is to give direction to the inmates and help them channel their energy into sports,” he said.
The 2026 edition featured competitions in tug-of-war, kabaddi, volleyball, badminton, chess, drawing, athletics, long jump, and shot put for male inmates. Women inmates participated in chess, drawing, badminton singles and doubles, athletics, long jump, and shot put. Patiala Zone emerged as the overall champion, followed by Faridkot Zone in second place and Kapurthala Zone in third.
Addressing the inmates, Laljit Singh Bhullar highlighted the Punjab Government’s rehabilitation and skill-development programs, aimed at preparing inmates for self-employment and reintegration into society. He mentioned petrol pumps being set up outside jails to provide opportunities for inmates with good conduct.
The minister emphasised the government’s commitment to discipline and reform, stating that sports competitions like Ujala Punjab Prison Olympics foster teamwork, confidence, and a positive environment among prisoners. He also asserted that gangsters and smugglers operating in Punjab were a legacy of previous governments, and the present government is taking steps to dismantle such networks.
The high-security jail being constructed in Ludhiana will become operational by the end of the year, and ultra-modern security systems are being installed across prisons to curb smuggling.
