*Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian: Meet Hayer reviews preparations of Punjab Khed Mela in four districts*

Chandigarh, August 17

Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer today visited four districts to review the preparations on ground for the Punjab Khed Mela 2022 to be organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Services from 29th August with an aim of raising the standard of sports, to search for talent and skills, foster brotherhood and harmony, to connect people with sports and create a healthy Punjab. Principal Secretary Raj Kamal Chaudhury and Director Rajesh Dhiman of the Sports Department were also present on the occasion.

The sports minister held a review meeting with the district administration, officials of the sports department and other connected departments during his visit to Mohali, Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib and Patiala. He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the department is organizing Punjab Khed Mela-2022 on the theme of ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Dian’ to recreate a sports culture in the State and deliver on the commitment of restoring the lost glory of the State. The inauguration of the Punjab Khed Mela will be done on 29th August on the occasion of birth anniversary of legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand ji; the day is also observed as National Sports Day across India.

Meet Hayer said that in this Mahakumbh of sports around 5 lakh players in different age groups will participate in recognized games of gradation list from block to state level. Punjab Khed Mela is a two months long event. Sports personalities from parasports can also participate in the Punjab Khed Mela. Block level tournaments will be held from September 1 to September 7, district level tournaments will be held from September 12 to September 22 while the State level tournaments will be held from October 10 to October 21.

The sports minister informed that prize of Rs 10,000 with a certificate will be given to the players who will come first, Rs 7,000 and a certificate will be given to second prize while Rs 5,000 with a certificate will be given to third position holders.

A total prize money of Rs 6 crore will be distributed. All the winning players will be covered in the state’s gradation policy.