Jag Mohan Thaken
CHANDIGARH: Ultimately after a long wait for 13 years, the ban on bullock cart races has been quashed by the Punjab government. Bullock cart races were halted during the tenure of previous governments in Rural Olympics.
Addressing a gathering during the Kila Raipur Sports Rural Olympics on 19 February 2026, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab Government is organizing the Rural Olympics 2026 for the third consecutive year at Grewal Stadium in Kila Raipur and added that bullock cart races, the main attraction of this fair, have resumed after 13 years.
Describing the Kila Raipur Games as a reflection of rural culture and heritage, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “It is heartening that the Punjab government has revived this heritage.” Calling it a historic occasion, he said the games are popular globally and noted that there had been a long-standing demand for the resumption of bullock cart races”.
He said, “We are witnessing historic moments. People have deep affection for their bulls and raise them like their own sons.” Mann said that the Punjab Government is organizing the Rural Olympics 2026 for the third consecutive year at Grewal Stadium in Kila Raipur and added that bullock cart races, the main attraction of this fair, have resumed after 13 years.
Calling the revival of the Kila Raipur Games a reflection of Punjab’s rural pride and cultural strength, the Chief Minister highlighted the New Sports Policy 2023 as a step towards restoring the state’s sporting glory, with stadiums to be built in every village. He also announced that the eight-acre pond in Kila Raipur will be beautified and a modern library constructed, and said that the government is plugging leakages left by previous regimes, saving public money and spending it directly on the people.
Tracing its origins, he said the dream of building this stadium was envisioned in 1933 under the patronage of Sardar Inder Singh, when the Grewal Education Society and Grewal Sports Association were formed.
He said that the first wrestling matches were held here in 1933 and in 1942 chariot races began on this ground, which evolved into bullock cart races in 1950 after removing the canopies from the chariots. “Along with bullock cart races, athletics events also began in this stadium which inspired several generations to excel in sports,” he said, adding that in 1964 girls’ athletics events were started here, making it the first rural stadium to introduce girls’ athletics.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the games, which began in 1933, are now popularly known as the “Mini Olympics” or “Rural Olympics” and even the President of India has attended them in the past. Emphasising communal harmony and unity in villages, he praised the residents of Kila Raipur for promoting sports heritage with unity and urged all villages to rise above political differences and contribute to rural development.
Referring to legislative measures, CM Mann said, “On July 11, 2025, the ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Act, 2025’ was unanimously passed in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, paving the way for the resumption of bullock cart races.” He added that after the law was passed, a grand event was organised by heritage sports enthusiasts on July 29, 2025, at village Mehma Singh Wala in Ludhiana. “Bullock cart races reflect our rural heritage and keep us connected to our culture and traditions. This is the revival of traditional sports,” he said.
Punjab is a confluence of strength, sports, agriculture and culture. Not only the games of strength – kabaddi, wrestling, hockey are popular here, but also its cultural events- like bhangra and fairs are worth seeing. Bullocks cart race had also been a part and parcel of Punjab soil, which was not only an entertainment show, but also had been a source of energy and a show of their care and love towards their bullocks.
Underscoring cultural continuity, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Bulls are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the state and the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spent a long-time farming with bulls at Kartarpur Sahib.” He added that when the law banning bull races was enforced, it dealt a major blow to heritage sports lovers and damaged the traditional sports legacy. “This sports fair is a living picture of Punjabi culture, where one can witness the vibrant spirit of Punjab through sports like wrestling, dancing, and singing,” he said.
Mann added that sports are the most lethal weapon against the drug menace and announced that the sports budget will be enhanced in the forthcoming state Budget, underlining a determined push to channelise the energy of Punjab’s youth into constructive avenues. Stating that bullock cart races, halted during the tenure of previous governments, have now resumed after the law was amended, the Chief Minister said that when children sweat it out on the field and bring home medals, there will be no need for any anti-drug campaign.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Sports are the most lethal weapon against the drug menace and the state government will enhance the budget for Sports in the ensuing budget for the state.” He said that the government is already promoting sports in a big way and added, “While the previous governments had neglected this important sector aimed at youth development, our government has duly focussed on it.” He said that sports are being promoted to channelise the unbounded energy of youth in a positive direction.
Reiterating the Punjab government’s war against drugs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “The Punjab government has unleashed a ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ in Punjab and sports are the biggest weapon in this fight.” He added that stadiums are being constructed in every village across Punjab and said it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that children are bringing glory to Punjab and the nation by bagging medals at national and international events.
Recalling the legacy associated with the event, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that legendary hockey players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh, Udham Singh, Prithipal Singh, Ajitpal Singh and Surjit Singh have showcased their talent at this event. He added that top athletes from across the country including Milkha Singh, Makhhan Singh, Praduman Singh, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa and Parveen Kumar have also run on this track. (IPA Service)
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