Ludhiana: The stage is set for the Kila Raipur rural sports festival, in which bullock cart races are to resume after over a decade. By Monday evening, organisers had received more than 70 cart entries for the races. Colonel (Retd) Surinder Singh Grewal, president, Kila Raipur Sports Society, which along with other stakeholders, including the district administration, organises the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, said the entries were from across the state. Expressing deep satisfaction at resumption of the races after over a decade, he described the event as the soul of the games. He added that the races would be held on all three days of the games.Grewal said that the games would start at around 9.30am and end at 6pm. Deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain on Monday announced that the Kila Raipur Rural Olympics would commence from Tuesday, Feb 17, at the historic grounds of Kila Raipur village.As per the district administration, the Punjab govt, led by chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made thorough preparations to guarantee smooth and successful execution of the event. “This edition marks revival of traditional rural sports, highlighted by the return of bullock cart races after a prolonged period. These iconic races will serve as the main draw, taking place across all three days of the festival,” the district administration said. Resumption of the races, which were considered the highlight of the games, has boosted enthusiasm among participants, spectators and bull owners.Besides the races, the Rural Olympics will feature a wide range of competitions, including hockey, kabaddi, athletics and various traditional games.Deputy commissioner Jain reiterated the commitment of the Punjab government to strengthen the sporting culture of the state and revive Punjab’s heritage through rural sporting initiatives. He urged people to turn up in large numbers to support the festival.The excitement is not limited to officials. Among villagers, especially long-time spectators and bullock cart race enthusiasts, emotions are running high. Many have fond memories of attending the races in earlier decades, when the event drew huge crowds and was a marquee attraction. Surjeet Singh, an elderly resident of the area, recalled wrapping up his farm work early in the mornings to reach the grounds in time to watch the races. He said he was heartbroken when the races were stopped and gradually stopped attending the games because, for him, they lacked their original flavour. Now, with the races returning, he said he is once again eager to be at the stadium.The bull owners are equally excited. Gurinder Singh, a villager from Kullewal and general secretary of the Malwa Doaba Bullock Cart Association, said that the association had been fighting for 12 to 13 years to secure resumption of the races. He expressed joy over their return, saying the moment felt like going to a “marriage.” Gurinder Singh said that six to seven of his bulls would be competing this year, including his well-known bulls, Shehzada and Bullet. Many owners have been preparing their animals for months.The return of the races also adds emotional depth to the festival, which has long been known for its unique blend of athletic competitions and cultural heritage. Over the decades, the Kila Raipur Games have brought together sportspersons, villagers, families and enthusiastic spectators, making it one of Punjab’s most recognisable rural sporting events.BOXES (Retained as Provided)Day 1On Feb 17, hockey matches in the boys’ and girls’ open categories will start at the main stadium at 9am. These will be followed by the boys’ and girls’ 1500m finals, 400m heats and finals for both boys and girls, and 60m races for primary school boys and girls. Bullock cart races will then run from 12noon through the evening Day 2On Feb 18, boys’ and girls’ open hockey semi-finals will be held at SSS School in Kila Raipur from 9am, along with circle-style kabaddi for boys and girls, shot put events for both genders, national-style kabaddi (under-17) for girls, 100m heats for boys and girls, long jump final for boys, 100m finals for boys and girls, and tug of war for boys. Bullock cart races are scheduled in two sessions: 12noon to 2pm and again in the afternoon.Day 3Feb 19, the concluding day, will feature national-style kabaddi (under-17) for girls, followed by bullock cart races. The schedule continues with circle-style one-village open kabaddi for boys, shot put finals for boys and girls, 200m heats and finals for both genders, high jump finals for boys and girls, 800m finals for boys and girls, 2000m cycle races for boys and girls, special 100m races in the 65 plus, 75 plus, and 80 plus men’s categories, trolley loading and unloading, tricycle race, and a final round of bullock cart races around 5pm.Box 2: Documents needed Participants in age-group events have to present valid birth proof, while all competitors must bring their Aadhaar card and bank details. To enhance the festive spirit, renowned artists will deliver live musical performances throughout the three days.
