Punjab's 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' Festival Halted Due to Floods, Athletes Wait for Rescheduling

Ludhiana: Weeks after catastrophic floods upended Punjab's flagship sporting festival ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan', thousands of athletes are still waiting for the whistle to blow again — caught between lost momentum and delayed prize hopes as officials prioritise flood recovery.The festival, a major initiative launched by the state govt in 2022 to promote sports culture, was scheduled initially to begin block and panchayat-level legs of the competitions from Sept 3 to 15. A torch relay for the 2025 iteration was even hosted in the city on Aug 29, coinciding with National Sports Day, but the widespread flooding that followed forced authorities to halt the event.Athlete Anxiety and Motivation DipThe absence of a definitive timeline for rescheduling has left athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts anxious.For many young competitors, the festival offers a vital platform for recognition and a chance to win cash awards that can advance their careers. "We have been preparing for months, and the delay has been tough," said a local athlete. "We all want to know when the competitions will start so we can plan our training accordingly."The state-level event features a wide range of sports, including traditional games like kabaddi, kho-kho, and Gatka, alongside modern disciplines such as athletics, volleyball, football, basketball, hockey, powerlifting, swimming, weightlifting, and badminton.Officials Prioritise Flood ReliefThe Punjab sports directorate, which organises the festival in collaboration with district administrations, is yet to announce new dates. Officials explained that the priority remains flood relief and rehabilitation efforts following widespread damage across the state. Kuldeep Chugh, the district sports officer (DSO) for Ludhiana, confirmed that authorities concerned were waiting for directions from the state capital.Chugh told the media: "We understand the eagerness of the athletes and the public, as around six to seven thousand athletes participate in the Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan event under different disciplines. There is no update as of now from the Punjab sports directorate regarding the new dates or rescheduling. We, too, are waiting currently for an official announcement."Despite the setback, an athletics coach noted that the original decision was made for the safety and well-being of the people. As the situation stabilises daily and flood-affected areas recover, the sports community remains hopeful the festival will resume soon, providing a much-needed boost to athletes' morale.