NewKerala.com

Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Inaugurated, Aims for 30,000 Athletes

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a month-long sports festival modeled on Khelo India. The event, featuring competitions in seven sports across 17 stadiums, has already registered over 16,000 athletes with a target of 30,000. Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the event's role in providing a platform for talent, especially women athletes, with a focus on safety. International cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the event's Brand Ambassador to inspire youth participation.

Key Points: Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Inaugurated by CM Rekha Gupta

  • Inaugurated by CM Rekha Gupta
  • Targets 30,000+ athlete participation
  • Shikhar Dhawan named Brand Ambassador
  • Focus on women's safety & inclusion
  • Competitions across 17 Delhi stadiums
2 min read

CM Rekha Gupta to inaugurate Delhi Khel Mahakumbh today

Delhi launches month-long Khel Mahakumbh sports festival at Chhatrasal Stadium, targeting over 30,000 athletes with Shikhar Dhawan as brand ambassador.

"Delhi has no shortage of talent but what is required is the right platform and opportunity. - Ashish Sood"

New Delhi, Feb 13

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, on Friday, will inaugurate "Khelo Delhi - Delhi Khel Mahakumbh" on the lines of Khelo India to strengthen and promote a vibrant sports culture in the national capital.

Earlier on Thursday, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood hosted an interactive dialogue regarding the upcoming Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. Expressing gratitude to the participants, he said that Delhi has no shortage of talent but what is required is the right platform and opportunity.

Along with media representatives, more than 50 sports influencers from across India, Arjuna Awardees, fitness coaches, and sports personalities participated in the interaction.

The Delhi government is organising competitions in seven major sports disciplines during the initial phase of the Mahakumbh, including football, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and other selected events.

The competitions will be conducted across 17 major stadiums in Delhi, including Chhatrasal Stadium, Bawana, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, South Delhi, and other key locations.

Minister Sood told that the formal inauguration of the event will take place on Friday at Chhatrasal Stadium, to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Gupta.

The opening ceremony will feature a grand march-past led by Delhi's para-athletes.

Highlighting the scale of participation, Minister Sood said that more than 16,000 athletes have already registered, and the registration process is ongoing.

"The Delhi government aims to ensure participation of more than 30,000 athletes in this month-long sports festival. In the coming years, the target is to expand participation to more than one lakh grassroots athletes annually," he added.

The Education Minister emphasised that the Mahakumbh will provide a significant platform for women athletes as well.

"Adequate attention will be given to women's safety and participation. Increased involvement of women in sports will create a positive ripple effect, encouraging more women to actively participate."

Minister Sood noted that sports instill discipline among youth and play a crucial role in keeping them away from substance abuse and other social evils.

"Through this initiative, not only will emerging talent be identified, but structured efforts will also be made to support their progression to national and international levels," he said.

Minister Sood also announced that international cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the Brand Ambassador of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh to inspire young athletes and generate enthusiasm for sports among the youth.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy to see the focus on women's safety and participation. Encouraging more girls to take up sports from the grassroots level is crucial. Hope they have good facilities and female coaches too.
R
Rohit P
Shikhar Dhawan as brand ambassador is a smart move. He connects well with the youth. But I hope the focus remains on sports like kabaddi and volleyball, not just cricket. We need to promote all games equally.
S
Sarah B
As someone who works with youth programs, I appreciate the mention of keeping youth away from substance abuse. Sports build character and discipline. Hope this is sustained and not just a one-time event.
V
Vikram M
Great step! But the proof will be in the execution. We've seen many such 'Mahakumbhs' announced. The key is proper infrastructure, fair selection, and continuous support for the athletes who shine. Fingers crossed.
K
Kavya N
Love that para-athletes are leading the march-past! 🎖️ True inspiration. Hope there are dedicated events and categories for them as well. Inclusivity in sports sends a powerful message.
M
Michael C
The scale is impressive - 30,000 athletes! Organising this across Delhi will be a logistical challenge. Hope the government has planned it well with

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50