Kila Raipur, Feb 18: Unprecedented enthusiasm marked the second day of the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics as the thunderous sounds of bullock cart racing returned to the packed stands of the stadium. After over a decade of absence, the iconic rural sport took center stage, drawing a diverse audience ranging from local farmers to international visitors interested in Punjab’s cultural identity.
The presence of high-ranking officials, including Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan, underscored the government’s support for the festival. Sandhwan stated that the legislative efforts in 2025 provided the necessary legal basis to bring back the races while ensuring the welfare of the animals involved. He affirmed that these games play a crucial role in keeping Punjab’s heritage intact and expressed hope that such events would inspire the younger generation to embrace physical sports over “reel culture.”
The festival grounds hosted several other competitions throughout the day, including intense hockey matches and traditional wrestling. State Media Head Baltej Singh Pannu declared that the resumption of the bullock cart races has infused a fresh energy across the region. He maintained that the joy seen on the faces of the spectators justified the extensive efforts taken by the administration to revive the traditional Olympic format.
The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Additional Deputy Commissioner Amarjit Bains and various Sub-Divisional Magistrates. Organizers stated that the second day’s activities were a resounding success, highlighting the community spirit and unity that the Rural Olympics foster.
Officials maintained that the competition will continue to showcase rural athletic talent over the coming days. The district sports department noted that the level of participation in the sprints and long jump events has also seen a significant increase compared to previous years.
