Gurmeet Singh Khuddian inaugurated the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics 2026 in Ludhiana on Tuesday, marking the grand return of the iconic bullock cart races after a 12-year hiatus.
The Punjab Cabinet Minister formally opened the festival at the stadium in Kila Raipur village, where thousands gathered to witness the revival of the world-famous rural sporting tradition. Spectators from across Punjab and neighboring regions thronged the venue, celebrating an event deeply rooted in the state’s agrarian and cultural heritage.
Accompanied by MLA Jiwan Singh Sangowal and Dr. KNS Kang, Gurmeet Singh Khuddian underlined the historical and cultural significance of the bullock cart races. He credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for enabling their revival through the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025, which introduced comprehensive safety measures for animals, addressed legal hurdles, and facilitated the resumption of the races.
ਕੈਬਿਨੇਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ @gurmeetkhuddian ਨੇ ਅੱਜ ਕਿਲਾ ਰਾਏਪੁਰ ਵਿਖੇ ਪੇਂਡੂ ਓਲੰਪਿਕ-2026 ਦਾ ਉਦਘਾਟਨ ਕੀਤਾ। CM @BhagwantMann ਦੇ ਯਤਨਾਂ ਸਦਕਾ ਇਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਖੇਡਾਂ ‘ਚ 14 ਸਾਲਾਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਬੈਲ ਗੱਡੀਆਂ ਦੀਆਂ ਰੋਮਾਂਚਕ ਦੌੜਾਂ ਨਾਲ਼ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਸ਼ਾਨ ਮੁੜ ਗੂੰਜੀ। ਇਸ ਸਮਾਗਮ ‘ਚ ਭਾਰੀ ਗਿਣਤੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਪਹੁੰਚੇ ਦਰਸ਼ਕਾਂ ਦਾ ਉਤਸ਼ਾਹ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਖੇਡ ਰੂਹ… pic.twitter.com/b1YiAP2iqX
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 17, 2026
Emphasizing the broader vision behind the Rural Olympics, the Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian stated that the event plays an important role in strengthening Punjab’s sports culture and identifying hidden talent from rural areas. He reiterated the government’s commitment to athletes, highlighting increased cash incentives for medal winners at the Olympics and other major international competitions. He also noted that Olympic medalists have been appointed to prestigious posts in the Punjab Civil Services (PCS) and Punjab Police Services (PPS).
Gurmeet Singh Khuddian Lists Jobs, Roads Push and Free Power Relief
Gurmeet Singh Khuddian further mentioned that nearly 64,000 government jobs have been provided strictly on a merit basis, ensuring transparency in recruitment. He also pointed to major infrastructure developments, including the construction and upgradation of approximately 40,000 kilometers of roads across the state. Additionally, he highlighted the government’s initiative of providing 600 units of free electricity per household over the past four years, which has led to zero electricity bills for many families.
To enhance livestock healthcare in the region, the Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian announced a grant of ₹30 lakh for the local veterinary hospital to improve medical facilities.
Also read : Punjab Vigilance Bureau Arrests Official’s Brother in ₹20,000 Bribe Case, Main Accused Still at Large
The event was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Bains, SDM Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, District Sports Officer Kuldeep Chugh, and members of the Kila Raipur Sports Society, among others.
The festival, which runs until February 19, includes not only the much-anticipated bullock cart races but also a vibrant lineup of traditional sports such as kabaddi, hockey, athletics, cycling, and tug-of-war. The revival of the iconic races has sparked widespread excitement, promising a thrilling celebration of strength, speed, and Punjab’s rich rural legacy.