Youth Run Punjab 2026 Draws Thousands in Amritsar, Strengthens Anti-Drug Campaign Under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’

Thousands of young people, sportspersons and citizens participated in the ‘Youth Run Punjab 2026’ marathon in Amritsar on Sunday, sending a strong message against drug abuse and promoting fitness, healthy living and the vision of a drug-free, prosperous and ‘Rangla Punjab’.

Organised by the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) Youth Wing under the state’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign, the marathon began at 6 AM from Ranjit Avenue. Participants from different age groups joined the event, while AAP leaders from Amritsar encouraged young people to embrace sports and adopt healthier lifestyles.

The marathon was flagged off by AAP Punjab Working President and MLA Aman Sher Singh Shery Kalsi. The initiative highlighted efforts to channel the energy of Punjab’s youth into constructive activities and encourage them to stay away from drugs.

Addressing the gathering, Kalsi said the opposition frequently targeted Punjab by portraying its youth negatively, but the large turnout at Youth Run Punjab 2026 demonstrated the state’s sporting spirit and the willingness of young people to promote fitness and a drug-free society.

“Thousands of young people have come together today to promote fitness, sports and a drug-free Punjab,” he said.

Thanking Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Kalsi said the government was working for different sections of society through people-oriented initiatives, including pilgrimage tours for senior citizens and Mohalla Clinics. He added that efforts were also being made to help people who had taken the wrong path return to a constructive life.

Kalsi praised the vision of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, saying their efforts were aimed at building a happier and more prosperous Punjab.

AAP Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said Youth Run Punjab had received an encouraging response in Mohali, Bathinda and Jalandhar before reaching Amritsar.

“Today, on the holy land of Amritsar, young people and wrestlers from across the Majha region have arrived in large numbers since early morning to participate in our fourth programme,” Dhaliwal said, adding that the turnout reflected the sporting spirit and strength of the region.

Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said the participation of children and young people in the Amritsar marathon showed that Punjab’s youth were embracing sports and fitness.

He said the event conveyed a strong message that young people were ready to adopt healthy lifestyles and stay away from drugs, adding that Punjab was moving towards the goal of a happier, more prosperous and ‘Rangla Punjab’.

According to the AAP, Youth Run Punjab 2026 reflects its commitment to promoting sports, encouraging healthy living and mobilising people in the collective effort to make Punjab drug-free.

The marathon series has so far attracted more than one lakh participants across Punjab, according to the organisers. Events in Mohali, Bathinda, Jalandhar and Amritsar have brought together young people, sportspersons, women, children and senior citizens, reinforcing the campaign’s message against drug abuse and in favour of fitness and community participation.