Punjab Govt revokes the ban boosting old tradition
By Jag Mohan Thaken
CHANDIGARH: Ultimately, after a long wait of 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 the Rural Olympics.
Addressing a gathering during the Kila Raipur Sports Rural Olympics on February 19, 2026, the Punjab Chief Minister said that the Rural Olympics 2026 are being organised for the third consecutive year at Grewal Stadium in Kila Raipur, adding 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, the government termed it heartening that this heritage has been revived. Calling it a historic occasion, it noted that the games are popular globally and that there had been a long-standing demand for the resumption of bullock cart races.
It was stated that people have deep affection for their bulls and raise them like their own sons. The government reiterated that the Rural Olympics 2026 are being organised for the third consecutive year at Grewal Stadium in Kila Raipur and that bullock cart races 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. It also announced that the eight-acre pond in Kila Raipur will be beautified and a modern library constructed, and said that leakages left by previous regimes are being plugged to save public money and spend it directly on the people.
Tracing its origins, it was stated that 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.
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, inspiring several generations to excel in sports. In 1964, girls’ athletics events were started here, making it the first rural stadium to introduce girls’ athletics.
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, the government 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, the CM stated that 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. 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 were described as a reflection of rural heritage that keeps people connected to their culture and traditions.
Punjab was described as a confluence of strength, sports, agriculture and culture. Not only games of strength such as kabaddi, wrestling and hockey are popular here, but cultural events like bhangra and fairs are also widely celebrated. The bullock cart race has long been a part of Punjab’s soil, serving not only as entertainment but also as a source of energy and a reflection of care and love for bullocks.
Underscoring cultural continuity, the CM said that bulls are an integral part of the state’s cultural heritage and that the first Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, spent a long time farming with bulls at Kartarpur Sahib. It was added that when the law banning bull races was enforced, it dealt a major blow to heritage sports lovers and affected the traditional sports legacy. The sports fair was described as a living picture of Punjabi culture, showcasing wrestling, dancing and singing.
The CM maintained that sports are a strong weapon against the drug menace and announced that the sports budget will be enhanced in the forthcoming state Budget, underlining efforts to channelise the energy of Punjab’s youth into constructive avenues. It was stated that bullock cart races, halted during the tenure of previous governments, have now resumed after the amendment of the law, and that when children excel in sports and bring home medals, the need for anti-drug campaigns would diminish.
Reiterating its war against drugs, the CM said it has launched a ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign in the state and that sports are a key component in this fight. It added that stadiums are being constructed in every village across Punjab and expressed satisfaction that children are bringing glory to the state and the nation by winning medals at national and international events.
Recalling the legacy associated with the event, CM noted that legendary hockey players like Dhyan Chand, Balbir Singh Sr., Udham Singh, Prithipal Singh, Ajit Pal Singh and Surjit Singh have showcased their talent at this event. It was further stated that top athletes from across the country, including Milkha Singh, Makhhan Singh, Gurbachan Singh Randhawa and Parveen Kumar, have also competed on this track. (IPA Service)
