Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Actor Sunil Shetty attend inauguration of Khasdar (Saansad) Krida Mahotsav 2026
Nagpur, May 31
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty on Sunday inaugurated the Khasdar Krida Mahotsav, marking the commencement of a multi-sport event.
It is scheduled to run from May 31 to June 7.
Highlighting the transformative power of athletics, actor Suniel Shetty emphasised that promoting sports is vital for keeping children focused and guiding them away from negative influences.
Speaking to reporters, Shetty said, "This is the cure for it. Sports, health, and wellness. If we educate them, it will make a big difference. Today, in a city like Nagpur, you'll see hundreds of thousands of kids involved in sports. When children focus on sports, they don't have time for anything else. In my life too, if anything positive has happened, and even at this age, people talk about my fitness and health, it's purely because of my love for sports. To steer our children away from negative influences, it's crucial to encourage their involvement in sports."
"It's incredible. Truly remarkable. That's why it's important for people like us to attend such events year after year, to spread the message that there's no better way to maintain health than through sport," he added.
Speaking about the upcoming Khelo India, its impact on the country, Shetty said, "It's essential. Many places are organising marathons and other events, but what happens here in Nagpur is quite unique because people are involved in over 50 to 60 different sports. Seeing it happen on this scale is truly beautiful."
Earlier, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level review meeting to assess Meghalaya's preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027.
During the meeting, Mandaviya emphasised that, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 39th National Games should serve not only as a premier sporting event but also as a platform to showcase the rich cultural heritage, diversity, and unique identity of Meghalaya and the entire North-Eastern region to the nation and the world, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
He underscored the importance of ensuring world-class sporting infrastructure, seamless organisation, and broad public participation to make the Games a landmark event for Indian sports."Sustainability and diversity are our message for the 39th National Games in Meghalaya in 2027," Mandaviya said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Suniel Shetty at 60+ still looks fitter than most of us in our 20s—that's the power of sports! Inspiring to see a Bollywood star genuinely backing such grassroots events. Nagpur is setting a great example with 50-60 sports disciplines. I just wish similar enthusiasm existed in other smaller towns. Modi ji's vision for Khelo India is nice, but execution needs to reach every village, not just big cities.
Suniel Shetty's emphasis on sports keeping kids away from negative influences is so relevant today. With rising addiction to phones and bad company, sports can be a lifesaver. The scale of this Nagpur event is impressive—over 50 sports! But I'm skeptical if such events get sustained attention or become just annual photo ops. Need more follow-through.
Great to see Union Minister Gadkari associating with sports promotion—he's done good work in Nagpur. Suniel Shetty's point about sports being a 'cure' is powerful. The Khelo India initiative is promising, but 2027 National Games in Meghalaya? That requires serious infrastructure in the Northeast. Hope it's not just a dream but a properly funded reality. Still, kudos for starting the conversation!
Suniel Shetty is absolutely right—sports kept me focused during my school days in Delhi. But why is it always a Bollywood actor and a politician doing the inauguration? What about actual sportspersons like Mary Kom or Neeraj Chopra? Authentic sporting icons would inspire more. Still, better than nothing! Hope Nagpur event leads to real talent discovery. 🏅
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.