Mahima Singh Wala (Ludhiana): While announcing the revival of traditional rural sports in Punjab that were fading due to legal restrictions, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on Wednesday that the state government will remove all legal hurdles to promote and preserve the state’s glorious sports heritage.
Addressing the gathering in a function organised by Sports lovers to felicitate a massive gathering of traditional sports lovers, the Chief Minister said that bullock cart races are not just a source of entertainment but represent the glorious cultural heritage of rural Punjab.
He said such races have been held in Punjab since ancient times and served as a living connection to our traditions and cultural identity.Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Sikh Guru, also practiced farming with bullocks during his time in Kartarpur Sahib.
The Chief Minister said that the ban on bullock cart races not only disheartened lovers of traditional sports, but also dealt a blow to our heritage.He further added that there had been growing demand from Punjabis to bring a new law so that these traditional games can be revived.
Bhagwant Singh Mann said that on July 11, 2025, the historic ‘Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2025’ was passed unanimously in the Punjab Assembly.
The Chief Minister envisioned that this law will not only help in preserving indigenous animal breeds in Punjab but also pave the way for resuming bullock cart races. He said that the law now awaits the consent of the President of India, after which the races can be officially conducted again.
Speaking about the new legislation, Bhagwant Singh Mann explained that its primary objective is to ensure safety measures for animals participating in sports, including veterinary supervision, safety standards, registration and documentation, and penalties for violations—so that no cruelty is inflicted upon voiceless animals.
