Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated “Khelo Delhi – Delhi Khel Mahakumbh” to promote sports culture in the capital. The event, similar to Khelo India, kicked off at Chhatrasal Stadium with a parade led by para-athletes and attended by cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the event’s Brand Ambassador. Over 20,000 athletes will participate in the month-long event across 16 venues for various sports like athletics, football, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and squash.
Competitions will involve students from Delhi University colleges, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, sports clubs, academies, and associations. Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood held discussions on the event, emphasizing the need for a platform to showcase Delhi’s talent. The Mahakumbh will feature competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and other sports across major Delhi stadiums like Chhatrasal, Bawana, Najafgarh, and Vikaspuri.
The Delhi government aims to engage over 30,000 athletes in the sports festival, with plans to expand participation to more than 1 lakh grassroots athletes annually. Education Minister Sood highlighted the event’s focus on women athletes, ensuring their safety and active involvement. He stressed the importance of sports in instilling discipline among youth and deterring them from negative influences like substance abuse.
