Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Punjab Bets on Sports to Fight Drug Crisis
Punjab has a serious problem with illegal drugs.
The government says arrests and drug seizures are important, but they are not enough by themselves.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wants more young people to play sports instead of becoming involved with drugs.
A large sports event called Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan will include more than 10 lakh participants.
People from age 14 to over 70 can take part.
The event will include 38 sports and four para-sports across Punjab.
Police say they have arrested many alleged drug smugglers and seized large amounts of drugs.
Critics say drug use is still visible and that the government must show that its plans are improving people’s lives.
The sports programme will be judged by whether it helps young people stay away from drugs and find new goals.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced the fourth Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan sports programme as part of the state’s anti-drug strategy.
The event is expected to involve more than 10 lakh participants aged 14 to over 70 across 38 sports and four para-sports.
Competitions are scheduled across all 153 blocks and 23 districts, with the main account saying they will run from September 5 in Bathinda to November 29 in Patiala.
Punjab Police reported 75,102 arrests in 54,916 FIRs and seizures including 3,472 kilograms of heroin and more than 60 lakh intoxicant tablets.
The government says sports can offer young people an alternative to addiction, while critics question whether enforcement and sporting initiatives are producing sufficient change.
- Who
- The Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, Punjab Police, young people and other sports participants.
- What
- Punjab announced the fourth Khedan Wattan Punjab Diyan games and presented sports as part of its strategy against drug addiction.
- When
- The main account says the games will run from September 5 to November 29; another account gives dates of September 6 to November 9, creating a discrepancy. The reported enforcement figures cover March 2025 to August 1, 2026.
- Where
- Competitions will be held across Punjab, including all 153 blocks and 23 districts, beginning in Bathinda and ending in Patiala according to the main account.
- Why
- The government says sports can channel young people’s energy, provide an alternative to addiction and help identify athletes for national and international competition.
Government’s case
Critics’ concerns
Sports as an anti-drug strategy
Government’s case
The Bhagwant Mann government says sports can keep young people engaged, channel their energy constructively and provide an alternative to addiction.
Critics’ concerns
Critics question whether a large sporting programme can substantially address the drug crisis while drug use remains publicly visible and politically contentious.
Effectiveness of enforcement
Government’s case
The government and Punjab Police cite arrests, FIRs and major drug seizures as evidence of an aggressive anti-drug campaign.
Critics’ concerns
Opponents argue that these figures have not ended doubts about conditions on the ground or the continuing drug problem.
Drug-related videos
Government’s case
The government and police have disputed the authenticity of some videos purportedly showing people affected by drugs.
Critics’ concerns
Opposition attacks and public outrage continue because such videos repeatedly draw attention to Punjab’s drug crisis.
- Expected participation
- More than 10 lakh people, ranging from age 14 to above 70.
- Sports covered
- 38 sports disciplines and four para-sports.
- Programme reach
- All 153 blocks and 23 districts of Punjab.
- Reported enforcement
- Punjab Police reported 75,102 alleged drug smugglers arrested in 54,916 FIRs.
- Reported seizures
- 3,472 kg of heroin, 871 kg of opium, 425 quintals of poppy husk, 86 kg of charas, 1,193 kg of ganja, 60 kg of ICE and more than 60 lakh intoxicant tablets.
- Sports allocation
- The government says Rs 1,794 crore has been allocated for sports, alongside rural playgrounds and gyms.
- Medal incentives
- State-level winners are set to receive Rs 10,000 for gold, Rs 7,000 for silver and Rs 5,000 for bronze.
- Schedule discrepancy
- One account lists September 6 to November 9, while the main account lists September 5 in Bathinda to November 29 in Patiala.
