Sangrur, Feb. 10 -- Anveer Singh, 15, a resident of Sangrur's Khilrian village, has a set after-school routine. Every day after completing homework, he religiously makes his way to the village playground for kabaddi practice from 4pm to 6pm.

He is among 150 other schoolchildren - 30 hailing from the same village - who have been receiving focussed training in various sports free of cost at Khilrian. This is part of the panchayat's initiative to motivate children towards constructive activities and keep them away from social evils such as drugs.

The panchayat also covers their entry fees for tournaments and rewards those who compete at national, state, or block levels with trophies. It also organises at least two to three training camps e...