Giving a major boost to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, the massive participation reflected a Charda Punjab, Khed’da Punjab and Bhajda Punjab — Rangla Punjab.
Punjab’s youth have delivered a powerful answer to the “Udta Punjab” narrative, with a record 20,000 youngsters and players turning up for Punjab’s biggest ‘Youth Run Punjab-2026’ in Bathinda and sending a clear message against drugs and in favour of sports.
The kind of enthusiasm that we are seeing today is a very strong message that Punjab is moving towards sports, fitness and a drug-free future. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from children, youngsters, women and senior citizens. “This is the third marathon in this series. This shows the love and enthusiasm of Punjabis towards sports and fitness. People have registered themselves and come here on their own. The participation here has set a new target for our upcoming marathons in Patiala and Ludhiana. I appeal to the people to keep supporting this initiative and continue encouraging our youth to choose sports and fitness over drugs.”
Cash prizes of up to ₹11,000 were given to the winners, while all participants received T-shirts and participation medals. It was launched from Mohali and today, Bathinda has witnessed the participation of nearly 20,000 people,” he said.
Talking to the media, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s OSD (Officer on Special Duty) Rajbir Singh Ghuman said the marathon was being organised under the directions of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “People of all ages and from all walks of life have participated with great enthusiasm. Taking a direct swipe at narratives that have sought to portray Punjab negatively, Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “The massive participation in the marathon has given a befitting response to those who tried to portray Punjab negatively through narratives such as ‘Udta Punjab’, today we want to show them ‘Charda Punjab, Khed’da Punjab and Bhajda Punjab – Rangla Punjab,” he said. Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “This participation is completely organic. Congratulating the people of Bathinda for the overwhelming response, Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, I congratulate the people of Bathinda for this tremendous response. Rajbir Singh Ghuman said, “We will continue to organise such events across Punjab.
