*Players who cannot register online are also allowed to participate on arrival: Meet Hayer*
*Block level competitions of 8 age groups in eight sports will be held from August 31 to September 9*
Chandigarh, August 31:
After the grand opening of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan-2023’ (Season-2) by Chief Minister 
Bhagwant Singh Mann during the opening ceremony at Bathinda, the Block level competitions kick started today. Competitions in eight sports started today in all the blocks across the state. Near about 1.5 lakh players participated in all 157 Blocks.
Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer has instructed all the District Sports Officers that the players who could not register online but reach the ground should be allowed to participate. Many requests were received from Players who could not get registered for some reason. So this decision has been taken by the Sports Minister keeping in mind their interests.
Divulging the details, Meet Hayer said that this time eight age group competitions are being conducted in a total of 35 sports. Eight of these sports competitions have started at the block level. Athletics, Football, Volleyball (Smashing and Shooting), Kabaddi (National style and Circle style), Kho Kho and Tug of War in eight age groups Under 14, Under 17, Under 21, 21 to 30 years, 31 to 40 years, 41 to 55 years, 55 to 65 years and above 65 years competitions are being conducted. The block winners will further participate in district level tournaments.
Meet Hayer further said that apart from the winners of the above eight games in the District level competitions, there will be direct competitions for other new sports and then there will be State level competitions in the month of October. He said that after the success of the first season, this time more enthusiasm is being shown among the players. State level winners will be given prize money of Rs. 7 Cr. He said that the sports department has made proper arrangements for the competitions of the players.
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