Move Over Rio, The Rural Olympics in Punjab Are Unconventional but Fun

Every winter, Kila Raipur, a village in Punjab that is about 19 kms from Ludhiana, hosts India’s one-of-its kind Rural Olympics, formally called Kila Raipur Sports Festival.

The sports festival, which is a four-day affair, was first started by Inder Singh Grewal, a noted philanthropist, in 1933. The main reason for starting this tournament was to give an opportunity to the farmers of the village to test their stamina and strength.

This tournament features participants from different age groups. There is a race organised especially for senior citizens. Local farmers also try their luck in this competition along with professional athletes.

You can also read: How Gurmangal Dass Is Using Football To Change The Lives of Youth in Punjab, One Village At A Time

The main attraction of the tournament is the bullock cart race. But this year, due to new regulations by the Animal Welfare Board, the bullocks were replaced by horses.

There was also a special show in which Punjab police jawans showed off their balancing skills on motorcycles.

Other unconventional sports showcased include like tractor tyre racing, Gilli Danda, Gatka (a north-west Indian form of martial art), and tug-of-war. In addition, special events like Tirinjen are organised for women. Tirinjen is a form of entertainment for young girls and women in Punjab in which they spin wheels and sing songs that express their sorrows and happiness.

After conventional games like wrestling, acrobatics, hockey, football and weight-lifting have taken place, a music contest is organised after sunset.

This tournament witnesses a large number of tourists, including foreigners, every year.

Here are a few glimpses of the Rural Olympics:

1. Balancing cycle with teeth

2. Some fire games!

3. Kabaddi

4. Balancing the plough

5. Polo with a Desi touch

6. Because balancing on one horse is too mainstream

7. Some Punjabi beats!

8. Some more balancing by Punjab police jawans

9. Special race for the disabled ones

10. Horse cart racing

11. Tractor tyre racing

12. Age No Bar!

13. Gatka

All photos’ source: Kila Raipur’s Facebook Page

You can also view all the images of this unconventional but fun tournament, here.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@thebetterindia).

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201
₹501
₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?