The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, February 13, 2026- The Delhi government on Thursday launched its largest-ever grassroots sports initiative, Khelo Delhi – Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurating the month-long mega sports festival at Chhatrasal Stadium. Describing the event as “not just a competition but a grand celebration of Delhi’s dreams,” the Chief Minister said the initiative would give direction and opportunity to thousands of young athletes across the capital.
The first-of-its-kind state-level sports festival will be held over one month across 17 stadiums and sports complexes in Delhi, with a target of more than 30,000 participants this year. The official mascot, Ranveer, was unveiled during the opening ceremony.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and aligned with the Khelo India Mission and Fit India Movement, the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh aims to revive sporting culture in the capital and create pathways for grassroots talent to reach national and international platforms.
To motivate young athletes, Olympic medalist Ravi Dahiya, international cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and Paralympic medalist Sharad Kumar have been named brand ambassadors of the event.
The inaugural ceremony featured a grand march-past by over 1,000 participants, including CWSN athletes, school bands, Nashik dhol performers, and representatives of universities and sports associations. A cultural performance by singer Parmish Verma added to the festive atmosphere. Athletes were also felicitated on the occasion. Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood and Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht were among the dignitaries present.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said Delhi has never lacked talent, but the right platform was missing. “This initiative is a historic step that will shape the future of lakhs of young athletes,” she said. She highlighted that nearly ₹33 crore in long-pending prize money, withheld for almost three decades, has now been released to athletes.
Under the new sports policy, Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists from Delhi will receive ₹7 crore, silver medalists ₹5 crore, and bronze medalists ₹3 crore. Athletes competing at national and international levels will be eligible for annual assistance of ₹20 lakh, while students participating at state and national levels will receive ₹5 lakh along with life insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to world-class sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister said new stadiums would be constructed, existing facilities modernised, advanced equipment provided, and trained coaches appointed. “Our goal is to ensure that no athlete from Delhi ever lacks resources while representing the city or the nation,” she said.
Sports Minister Ashish Sood described the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh as a people’s movement to make the capital the sports capital of India. Calling it the start of a “new dawn” for sports in Delhi, he said every local akhara and neighbourhood stadium would now become a training ground for future champions.
The festival will feature competitions in seven disciplines—athletics, football, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and squash—across venues including Thyagaraj Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, the National Stadium, and other major sports complexes. More than 16,000 athletes have already registered, with a long-term vision of engaging one lakh grassroots athletes annually.
Special emphasis has been placed on women’s participation, with comprehensive safety and support arrangements aimed at encouraging more young women to take up sports.
With an attractive prize structure and large-scale participation, Khelo Delhi – Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is being seen as a landmark step toward building a strong, inclusive, and competitive sports ecosystem in the national capital.
No Comments: