Ludhiana, Jan. 31 -- Once a vibrant celebration of rural vigour, the Kila Raipur Games seem to have lost their spark, leaving long-time spectators longing for the past. This annual event, famously known as the Rural Olympics, used to attract thousands with its thrilling lineup of bullock cart races, tractor sprints, and even elephant dashes. But now, the buzz has faded, and so have the crowds.

Amarjeet Singh, a 58-year-old ex-armyman and local resident, reminisced about the glory days. "People came mainly for the bullock cart races. Without them, there's no excitement left. It's ironic to call these 'rural games' when there are barely any rural games left. Until the 1990s, this festival was packed and finding a place to stand was a chall...