The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, May 20, 2025:Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta today graced the grand opening ceremony of “Delhi Games 2025”, held at Talkatora Stadium, as the Chief Guest. The event marks a significant initiative aimed at encouraging the youth of Delhi and promoting sports across the capital. It is expected to be a milestone in strengthening sports culture in Delhi. On this occasion, Cabinet Minister Shri. Ashish Sood, MP Shri. Yogendra Chandolia, President of Delhi Olympics Association Shri. Kuldeep Vats, Vice President Shri. Sanjeev Sharma, and several other dignitaries were present.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisions a healthy, active, and empowered India where sports are central to social development. Inspired by this vision, the Delhi Government is fully committed to the overall development of sports infrastructure and opportunities across the capital.
Speaking to athletes, coaches, and organizers, the Chief Minister emphasized that sports are not merely about physical fitness, but also instil discipline, unity, and teamwork. She added, “Delhi Games 2025 is an important step toward making Delhi a progressive and developed capital. It offers a platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and gain national recognition. This initiative will strengthen Delhi’s identity at both national and international levels.” She also affirmed that all players, coaches, and officials are a source of pride and a reflection of the Delhi Government’s commitment to sports.
Highlighting the lack of focus by previous government, she remarked, “Unfortunately, previous government neither prioritized education nor invested meaningfully in sports. Players had to struggle even for basic facilities.”
The Chief Minister assured and said, “Today, Delhi has a government that is serious about the future of its youth. Our athletes are not just the pride of the state, but of the entire nation. They deserve every facility required to compete at the international level. We are ensuring access to world-class stadiums, advanced training centres, modern sports infrastructure, high-tech equipment, and skilled coaching.” She also emphasized that necessary financial support will be provided to athletes for their development and participation at the state, national, and global levels.
CM Smt. Rekha Gupta shared that the current government has doubled the sports budget and quadrupled the athlete reward fund compared to previous government. She said, “Our goal is that no athlete should be left behind due to lack of resources. Every talented youth in Delhi should receive the same level of support that a capital city ought to provide.”
She expressed concern that many Delhi-based athletes were previously registering under other states due to better incentives and facilities elsewhere. “Now, that will no longer be necessary. Athletes will be registered, rewarded, and respected right here in Delhi,” she declared. She added that the government’s vision is not only to uplift players but to make sports accessible to every section of society — so that every child and youth can embrace it both as a career and as a way to lead a healthy life.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Delhi Government’s policies on sports and youth development. She informed that continuous efforts are being made to strengthen sports infrastructure, including the development of modern stadiums, auditoriums, training centers, and the availability of equipment. Through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the government is expanding coaching and training facilities in government schools.
She further stated that sports are now being viewed as a respectable career path. “Our mission is to ensure that the youth contributing to sports must receive adequate encouragement, recognition, and opportunities,” she added.
Concluding her address, the Chief Minister urged the youth of Delhi to actively participate in sports and polish their talent. “Sports not only keep you fit but also prepare you to face life’s challenges with resilience. Delhi Games 2025 offers a vital platform to showcase your skills and move toward success at national and international levels.”
She extended her heartfelt congratulations to the organizing team and stated that with over 12,000 athletes competing across 40 different sports disciplines, Delhi Games 2025 will take the capital to new heights in the field of sports.
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