Punjab hosts 69th National School Games; over 1,000 athletes compete in Ludhiana as Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains inaugurates event
CHANDIGARH / LUDHIANA, 6th January 2026 ; Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday formally inaugurated the 69th National School Games at Guru Nanak Stadium in Ludhiana, marking the start of a major national sporting event that has drawn young athletes from across the country. Players from all states and Union Territories, along with teams from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and Vidya Bharati schools, are taking part in the Games from January 6 to January 11.
Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said that the 69th National School Games will feature competitions in Judo Under-14 for boys and girls, Taekwondo Under-14 for boys and girls, and Gatka Under-19 for boys and girls. He said the organisers will conduct the matches at multiple venues across the city, including BCM Arya Model Senior Secondary School, Shastri Nagar, Government Senior Secondary School, PAU Ludhiana, and the Open Air Theatre at PAU, Ludhiana.
69th National School Games Begin in Punjab : Bains
Harjot Singh Bains described the event as a source of pride for Punjab. He also recognized the significance for the host city. He said, “Punjab and Ludhiana take great pride in hosting the 69th National School Games. Around 1,000 sportspersons and more than 350 coaches have arrived from different parts of the country, including Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Andhra Pradesh and the North East.”
He said the district administration made elaborate arrangements for the participants and ensured accommodation, food, and transportation despite the cold weather. The administration deployed PCR teams for security and installed CCTV cameras at the playgrounds.
The Education Minister highlighted the state government’s focus on sports infrastructure. He said, “The Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is continuously striving to expand sports infrastructure in the state. Construction work of 3,100 playgrounds in villages and cities is underway at a war footing. This is the first phase. The vision is to ensure that every village in Punjab will have its own sports ground.”
Punjab First to Provide Advance Aid for Players
Referring to sports capacity building, Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the government is recruiting coaches.This is happening on a large scale in sports nurseries for boxing, hockey, kabaddi, and other sports. The diet of players has also been increased. This enables them to train and perform better.”
Speaking about the state’s sports policy, the Education Minister said, “Punjab has formulated a sports policy.”This is the first time the Punjab government offers players advance financial assistance. They receive this support when selected for the Asian Games.” This also applies to the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, or the Olympics. The Punjab government gives financial help in advance. This support is given to the selected players. In other states, such incentives are given after winning medals. However, Punjab supports its players in advance. After the implementation of this policy, the number of medals won by Punjab has increased.”
Punjab Reclaims Sporting Glory with National Team Stars
Minister Harjot Singh Bains further said, “It is a matter of great pride for Punjab. The Indian men’s cricket team is performing brilliantly under the captaincy of Punjabis. The Indian women’s cricket team and the Indian hockey team are also thriving under Punjabi leadership. Many Punjabi players are part of the Indian hockey team. This strong representation shows that Punjab is steadily moving towards restoring its old identity. It is becoming a leading state in the field of sports again.”
On the occasion, MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal and Director of Secondary Education Gurinder Singh Sodhi were present. Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur and Senior Deputy Mayor Rakesh Parashar also attended. Deputy Mayor Prince Johar, District Education Officer Dimple Madan, and District Sports Officer Kuldeep Chugh were there too. Senior officers from various departments participated as well.
