Kila Raipur Rural Olympics being organised from January 30 to February 1; bullock cart races resums: DC Himanshu Jain

Ludhiana, January 23, 2026: Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain today announced that the Punjab government will organize Rural Olympics at village Kila Raipur from January 30 to February 1 and this time, Bullock cart races will also be held on all three days. Chief Minister Punjab Bhagwant Singh Mann will also attend these games. 

A press conference in this regard was also held at Bachat Bhawan, here today and was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Amarjit Bains, Sub Divisional Magistrate (Ludhiana East) Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, President of Kila Raipur Sports Society (Patti Suhavia) Colonel Surinder Singh Grewal, General Secretary Gurvinder Singh, Coach Paramjit Singh, Gurinder Singh Grewal, Balraj Gaba and others.

The Deputy Commissioner said that to ensure that all rules are being followed for the conduct of Bullock Cart races, a high powered committee has also been formed by the district administration. This committee will ensure compliance with the instructions issued by the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Punjab Government from time to time, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act 1960 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2019.

He said that for the third consecutive year, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is organizing the Rural Olympics at village Kila Raipur.

Himanshu Jain, while releasing the poster of the famous Kila Raipur Rural Olympics-2026, said that on the first day of the games (on 30th January 2026), the schedule will include Hockey Match (Boys Open Category), Hockey Match (Girls Open Category), 1500m (Boys) Final, 1500m (Girls) Final, 400m Boys Heats/Final, 400m Girls Heats/Final, 60m Race Primary School Boys, 60m Race Primary School Girls, Bullock Cart Races (from 12:15 pm to 12:15 pm). There will also be performances by Giddha, Bhangra and Nihang Singhs during the opening ceremony. 

He said that on January 31, 2026, there will be Hockey Match (Boys Open Semi-Final), Hockey Match (Girls Open Semi-Final), Kabaddi Circle Style (Boys), Shot Put (Boys), Shot Put (Girls), Kabaddi Circle Style (Girls), Kabaddi National Style Under 17 (Girls), 100 Meter Boys Heats, 100 Meter Girls Heats, Bullock Cart Races (from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM), Long Jump Boys Final, Long Jump Girls Final, 100 Meter Boys Final, 100 Meter Girls Final, Tug of War Boys and Bullock Cart Races (from 4:00 PM). 

He further informed that on 1st February 2026, Kabaddi National Style Under 17 Girls, Bullock Cart Races (from 10:00 AM), Kabaddi Circle Style One Village Open (Boys), Shot Put (Boys) Final, 200 Meter Boys Heats Final, 200 Meter Girls Heats Final, High Jump Boys Final, Shot Put (Girls) Final, 800 Meter Boys Final, 800 Meter Girls Final, High Jump Girls Final, 2000 Meter Cycle Race Boys, 2000 Meter Cycle Race Girls, 100 Meter Race Men (65+ Years), 100 Meter Race Men (75+ Years), 100 Meter Race Men (80+ Years), Trolley Loading Unloading, Tricycle Race, Bullock Cart Races (from 5:00 PM). 

He said that a famous Punjabi singers will also entertain the audience by giving performances during the three days of the games.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government is dedicated to promoting sports culture within the state and is committed to reviving the sporting glory of Punjab. He said that there is no dearth of talent in Punjab but there is a need to identify and nurture the skills. This Rural Olympics will prove helpful in producing future champions.

Himanshu Jain also assured that the district administration will make extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for the participants and there will be no inconvenience. He stressed on the importance of these games for Punjab and various department heads have been instructed to ensure all arrangements.

The Deputy Commissioner also urged the people to participate in large numbers to take the popularity of the games to new heights.

President of Kila Raipur Sports Society (Patti Suhavia) Colonel Surinder Singh Grewal thanked the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab government and the district administration Ludhiana and said that people are very happy with the restarting of bullock cart races at Kila Raipur. He also assured that all the instructions issued by the Director Animal Husbandry Punjab and the District Administration Ludhiana during the bullock cart races will be taken care of completely. He said that members of Kila Raipur Sports Society have also been included in this committee formed by the District Administration Ludhiana regarding Bullock Cart races.

He appealed to the sports lovers globally to attend these games with enthusiasm and boost our spirits. He also appealed to the bullock cart unions of Majha, Doaba and Malwa and said that they all must participate in the bullock cart races at Kila Raipur and follow rules set by the Government.

The entries for bullock cart races will be received only till 2 pm on 29th January 2026.