Day 1: Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan sees thin participation in Jalandhar

Block-level events of Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan started with thin participation in Jalandhar today. Events were held in six blocks, including Lohian, Rurka Kalan, Jalandhar East, Nakodar, Mehatpur and Shahkot.

District school games are also going on and students are already taking part in under-14 and under-17 categories. This clash of dates and midterm exams in schools are being cited as the key reasons behind less participation in the games. Rain also played the spoilsport.

In the Rurka Kalan block, only two football teams of girls participated in the under-14 category, while three teams participated in the under-17 category. In the under-21 category, only one team arrived and it had to go without competing.

In Nakodar, three boys’ football teams participated in the under-17 category and two in the under-14 category. Only 10 players took part in athletics events in the under-14 category, while 12 players participated in the under-17 category. Some middle-aged players also turned up for athletics events.

In Shahkot, only a few teams participated in volleyball events. There was no participation in the under-14 and under-17 categories, while only two teams participated in the under-21 category. Four teams participated in the above-21 category. A similar situation was witnessed in other blocks too. In Mehatpur, however, comparatively good number of players turned up for athletics events.

District Sports Officer Gurpreet Singh said the issue of clash of dates would be discussed with the Education Department. “We will ensure more participation in the coming days,” he said.

Depty Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal said he had asked the District Education Officer to motivate students to participate in the games.