By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
Delhi’s biggest-ever grassroots sports festival kicks off at Chhatrasal Stadium; over 30,000 athletes targeted across 17 venues
New Delhi: Declaring that the initiative is “not just a competition, but a grand celebration of Delhi’s dreams”, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday formally inaugurated the first-ever ‘Khelo Delhi–Delhi Khel Mahakumbh’ at Chhatrasal Stadium.
Billed as the capital’s largest grassroots sporting initiative to date, the month-long festival will be held across 17 major stadiums and sports complexes, with participation expected to exceed 30,000 athletes. More than 16,000 participants have already registered.
The official mascot of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, “Ranveer”, was also unveiled at the ceremony, which featured a grand march-past of over 1,000 participants, including CWSN athletes, school bands, Nashik dhol performers, and players from universities and sports associations. Singer Parmish Verma delivered a high-energy performance, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Inspired by National Sports Vision
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and aligned with the Khelo India Mission and Fit India Movement, the mega sporting event is aimed at nurturing young talent, promoting fitness, and establishing Delhi as a strong sports hub.
Olympic medalist and Khel Ratna awardee Ravi Dahiya, international cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and Paralympic medalist Sharad Kumar have been appointed brand ambassadors for the event.
The Chief Minister and other dignitaries toured the stadium in an open jeep, greeting athletes and spectators. Among those present were Cabinet Minister Ashish Sood and Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, along with members of the sporting fraternity.
‘Historic Step for Youth’
Addressing the gathering, Gupta said Delhi has never lacked talent but often missed the right platform. “This initiative will provide direction and opportunity to lakhs of young athletes in the years to come,” she said.
Highlighting recent policy measures, she noted that nearly ₹33 crore in long-pending prize money — unreleased for almost three decades — has now been disbursed 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 financial support of ₹5 lakh and life insurance coverage up to ₹10 lakh.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to world-class sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister said plans include constructing new stadiums, modernising existing facilities, providing advanced equipment, appointing trained coaches, and upgrading amenities. “No athlete from Delhi should ever face a lack of resources,” she said.
‘A People’s Movement’
Describing the Mahakumbh as a “people’s movement” to make the capital the sports capital of India, Sports Minister Sood said the event marks a “new dawn” for sports in Delhi. “Every local akhara and neighbourhood stadium will now become a training ground for future global champions. Delhi is not just returning to sports, it is preparing to lead,” he said.
Festival at a Glance
The month-long sporting celebration will span key venues including Chhatrasal Stadium, Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Bawana and Singhu), Prahladpur Sports Complex, Thyagaraj Stadium, East Vinod Nagar Sports Complex, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, Dwarka, Pitampura, Kair, Pooth Kalan, Mundela, Bakhtawarpur, Mitraon, and the National Stadium.
Competitions will be held in seven disciplines — athletics, football, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and squash — featuring students from schools and colleges, Delhi University, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, sports academies, registered clubs, and open-category players.
The government has set a long-term goal of engaging one lakh grassroots athletes annually.
Encouraging women’s participation remains a priority, with comprehensive safety and support arrangements in place to empower more young women to take up sports.
Attractive Prize Structure
In team events, gold medal winners will receive ₹1,75,000, silver medal winners ₹1,51,000, and bronze medal winners ₹1,31,000. In individual events, gold, silver, and bronze medalists will be awarded ₹11,000, ₹9,000, and ₹7,000 respectively.
With scale, incentives, and policy backing aligned, the Delhi government has positioned Khelo Delhi–Delhi Khel Mahakumbh as a transformative platform aimed at reshaping the capital’s sporting landscape.
