Delhi marked a significant step in strengthening grassroots sports with the formal launch of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a large-scale, multi-sport festival aimed at expanding youth participation and building a sustainable sporting culture in the national capital. The month-long initiative was inaugurated at Chhatrasal Stadium, one of the city’s premier sporting venues, in the presence of senior government officials, athletes and young participants.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially opened the event, describing it as an effort to make sports more accessible to students and young athletes across socio-economic backgrounds. The launch ceremony included a march-past by participants, including para-athletes, underscoring the administration’s focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports.
The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is designed as a grassroots platform covering multiple disciplines, including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, wrestling and squash. Competitions are being held across several venues in different districts of the capital to ensure wider participation and regional representation. Officials have indicated that thousands of students and young athletes have registered for the inaugural edition, reflecting strong early interest.
Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said the festival is part of a broader strategy to revive sports culture in the city by improving access to infrastructure, coaching and structured competition. He noted that investments in sports facilities and training ecosystems are being strengthened to create long-term pathways for talent development.
Former India cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, who has been named brand ambassador for the festival, addressed young participants at the event and encouraged them to view sports not only as competition but also as a tool for discipline, resilience and teamwork. His association with the initiative is intended to inspire aspiring athletes and connect grassroots participants with established sporting icons.
The festival aligns with the broader philosophy of the national Khelo India programme, which focuses on identifying and nurturing talent at the grassroots level. By creating structured competitions at the city level, the Delhi government aims to build a feeder system that can channel promising athletes into state and national platforms.
Officials involved in organizing the Mahakumbh have emphasized that the event is not limited to medal tallies. Beyond competition, the festival seeks to encourage regular physical activity among youth, promote sportsmanship, and foster community engagement. Schools and local sports bodies have been integrated into the framework to ensure sustained participation beyond the duration of the event.
Prize incentives and recognition for top performers have also been introduced to motivate participants and acknowledge excellence. However, policymakers stress that the long-term objective is to institutionalize sporting opportunities rather than conduct a one-time spectacle. Plans are being discussed to make the Mahakumbh an annual feature in Delhi’s sports calendar.
Sports experts observe that large-scale, inclusive events such as the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh can play a critical role in bridging gaps between grassroots enthusiasm and elite-level performance. By offering structured exposure at an early stage, young athletes gain competitive experience that is essential for advancement.
As the competitions unfold over the coming weeks, the success of the Mahakumbh will be measured not only by participation numbers but also by its ability to sustain momentum. For Delhi’s youth, the festival represents more than a tournament — it signals an institutional commitment to sports as a pillar of education, health and community development.
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Last Updated on: Friday, February 13, 2026 1:02 pm by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Friday, February 13, 2026 1:02 pm | News Categories: Sports