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Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Inaugurated, Aims for 30,000 Athletes

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will inaugurate the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a major sports festival modeled after Khelo India. The event, featuring competitions in seven sports across 17 stadiums, has already seen over 16,000 athlete registrations with a target of 30,000. Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the platform's role in promoting women's participation and providing a pathway for talent to reach national levels. International cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the event's Brand Ambassador to inspire youth.

Key Points: Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Inauguration by CM Rekha Gupta

  • Inauguration at Chhatrasal Stadium
  • 7 sports disciplines across 17 venues
  • Focus on women's safety and participation
  • Shikhar Dhawan named Brand Ambassador
2 min read

CM Rekha Gupta to inaugurate Delhi Khel Mahakumbh tomorrow

CM Rekha Gupta inaugurates Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a month-long sports festival with 16,000+ registrations and Shikhar Dhawan as brand ambassador.

"The Delhi government aims to ensure participation of more than 30,000 athletes in this month-long sports festival. - Minister Ashish Sood"

New Delhi, Feb 12

Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood said on Thursday that 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, Minister Sood hosted an interactive dialogue regarding the upcoming Delhi Khel Mahakumbh.

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

Expressing gratitude to the participants, Minister Sood said that Delhi has no shortage of talent but what is required is the right platform and opportunity.

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

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So glad to see the focus on women's safety and participation. Encouraging more girls to take up sports from a young age is crucial for their confidence and health. The march-past led by para-athletes is a beautiful touch for inclusivity. Well done!
R
Rohit P
Kabaddi and football in the same event? Amazing! Finally a government scheme that actually makes sense. My younger brother has registered. Hope the execution is as good as the plan. The real test will be if they can sustain this year after year.
S
Sarah B
As a fitness coach, I appreciate the holistic approach mentioned - keeping youth away from substance abuse through sports discipline. The scale is impressive: 17 stadiums! Hope the logistics and judging are fair. Wishing all athletes the very best.
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Vikram M
Good step, but I hope this isn't just another photo-op for politicians. We've seen many such "Mahakumbhs" start with fanfare and then fade away. The proof will be in the follow-up - will these 30,000 athletes get any sustained training or support?
K
Kavya N
Including Najafgarh and Bawana is smart - talent isn't just in South Delhi! This can be a real game-changer for athletes from less affluent backgrounds. The target of 1 lakh athletes is ambitious. Let's make Delhi a true sports hub! 🏐⚽

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