The ‘Youth Run Punjab-2026’ was organised in Bathinda with the aim of raising awareness about drug abuse and promoting sports and fitness among young people. According to the organisers, around 20,000 youths and sportspersons participated in the run.
The event also witnessed participation from a large number of children, women and senior citizens, highlighting the broad public interest in sports and fitness. The initiative carried a message encouraging young people to stay away from drugs and make sports and physical activity part of their daily lives. The programme was also linked with the state government’s ‘Yudh Nashe Virudh’ campaign.
Bathinda Streets Reflect Sporting Enthusiasm
Participants from different age groups took part in the Youth Run with enthusiasm. Organisers said the large turnout reflected the interest in sports and fitness among people across Punjab. Participants were provided with T-shirts and participation medals, while winners in various categories received cash prizes of up to ₹11,000.
Message: Choose Sports Over Drugs
A key objective of the event was to create awareness among young people about the harmful effects of drug abuse and encourage them to engage in sports and other physical activities.
Participants promoted the message of adopting fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Slogans such as “Chadhda Punjab, Khelda Punjab and Bhajda Punjab”representing a Punjab that rises, plays and runs were used to project a positive and sports-oriented image of the state.
Representatives Praise Public Participation
Representatives associated with the event praised the strong turnout, saying that people from different age groups and sections of society participated with enthusiasm.
They said the large number of people who registered themselves and attended the event demonstrated public interest in initiatives promoting sports, fitness and a drug-free future.
Marathons Planned in Patiala and Ludhiana
Following the response in Bathinda, organisers said similar events would be held in other cities of Punjab in the coming days. The government said the participation witnessed in Bathinda would serve as a benchmark for the upcoming marathons in Patiala and Ludhiana. People were encouraged to participate in these events and motivate young people to embrace sports, fitness and a healthy lifestyle.