Block-level events for the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’ (Sports of Our Homeland Punjab) will begin on September 4, according to information from the Office of the District Public Relations Officer, Fatehgarh Sahib. The Punjab government’s project seeks to reconnect more young people with sports and revitalize the sport’s culture.

On September 1, at 9:00 AM, a torch relay will arrive at Jakhwali prior to the start of the games, according to District Sports Officer Mandeep Kaushal. After passing through Sirhind, the relay would be turned over to SAS Nagar (Mohali).

Block-level contests will take place during the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan-2025′ from September 4 to 15, while district- and state-level tournaments will take place from September 20 to 29. Hoshiarpur will host the games’ official opening on September 3.

The following age groups will participate in the games: under-14, under-17, under-21, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, and 70+. The following are the precise age requirements for each category, depending on birth dates:

• U-14: Born on or after Jan 1, 2012
• U-17: Born on or after Jan 1, 2009
• U-21: Born on or after Jan 1, 2005
• 21-30: Born between Jan 1, 1995, and Dec 31, 2004
• 31-40: Born between Jan 1, 1985, and Dec 31, 1994
• 41-50: Born between Jan 1, 1975, and Dec 31, 1984
• 51-60: Born between Jan 1, 1965, and Dec 31, 1974
• 61-70: Born between Jan 1, 1955, and Dec 31, 1964
• 70+: Born on or before Dec 31, 1954
• Competitors must be citizens of Punjab. Punjab government workers who reside in Chandigarh and their children are also eligible to participate. Registering online at https://sports.punjab.gov.in is mandatory for all athletes. Athletes seeking further information should contact the District Sports Officer’s Fatehgarh Sahib office on any working day. A copy of their birth certificate and Aadhaar card must be shown at the athletic event by players to establish their age. {Reported by: Arun Pathak}

Manu Bhaker, a well-known shooter, has been suggested for the Padma Shri. Dainik Bhaskar received this information from Ministry of Sports sources.

The 23-year-old shooter’s name was submitted for the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award four days ago. Former hockey goalie PR Sreejesh and bowler R Ashwin received this honour last year.

On January 17 of this year, President Droupadi Murmu presented Manu with the Khel Ratna. In August and September of last year, Manu Bhaker earned two bronze medals in the Olympic Games in Paris.

She stood in third place in the 10-metre air pistol individual and mixed doubles. On the strength of her two medals, India won a total of 6 medals at the Paris Olympics.

Last year, Padma Shri wasn’t received; therefore, Khel Ratna had to do.

Last year, Manu also applied for the Padma Shri, but she was not selected. According to reports, P.R. Sreejesh and former cricket player R. Ashwin were suggested by the Ministry of Sports for this honour. Manu Bhaker received the Khel Ratna award after a dispute.

Manu advanced to the final eight by finishing third in the 60-shot qualifying round with a score of 583-18x, ahead of Jiin of Korea (581-16x) and Qianke Ma of China (seventh with 579-15x).

Following Kapil Bainsla’s victory in the junior men’s air pistol gold and the silver medals won by the senior and junior men’s teams, India took home two gold and three silver medals on the first day.

In the men’s 10m air pistol team event on Monday, Anmol Jain, Saurabh Chaudhary, and Aditya Malra won the silver medal, opening India’s medal total at the Asian Championship.

Hu Kai, Changjie You, and Yifan Zhang of the People’s Republic of China won the gold medal with 1744-51x, ahead of the Indian trio, who finished with 1735-52x.

India concluded the first day of competition on a positive note with Girish Gupta’s gold in the 10m air pistol men’s youth event on Monday, where he led an Indian 1-2. The 17-year-old finished ahead of fellow countryman Dev Pratap with a total score of 241.3. The 14-year-old’s silver shot was 238.6.

There are 35 members of the Indian senior shooting squad competing in 15 events for medals at the Asian competition. At the Shymkent competition, 129 Indian shooters will also participate in the junior events.