Chandigarh/Kila Raipur: The second day of the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics witnessed an overwhelming response as thousands of spectators, especially youth, gathered at the historic venue to celebrate Punjab’s rural sporting heritage. The highlight of the day was the revival of the iconic bullock cart races after a 12-year gap, drawing massive crowds and loud cheers from packed stands. Along with the traditional races, events such as hockey, kabaddi, shot put, 100-meter sprint, tug of war, long jump and bazigar performances enthralled visitors, creating an atmosphere of excitement and community spirit.
Addressing the gathering, Kultar Singh Sandhwan described the revival of bullock cart races as a historic milestone made possible through legislative reforms and animal welfare safeguards under the Punjab Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025. He said the return of traditional rural sports would help preserve Punjab’s cultural heritage and encourage youth to stay connected with their roots, steering them away from drugs and digital distractions.
Earlier, Baltej Singh Pannu praised the organisers and the large public participation, stating that the resumption of bullock cart races has revived the festive spirit and restored the glory of the Rural Olympics. Several senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and other district authorities, were also present on the occasion.
