Gujarat marked World Athletics Day by showcasing the involvement of young athletes in the state through the ‘Khel Mahakumbh’ program. Over 9,000 players participated in the state-level athletics competition in Nadiad earlier this year. World Athletics Day, observed on May 7 annually, aims to promote fitness, discipline, and sports awareness among youth.
The theme for this year’s World Athletics Day is ‘Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers’, emphasizing athletics’ role in fostering social connections and unity through physical activity. The state government views athletics as the foundation of all sports and credits the Khel Mahakumbh initiative for providing opportunities to players from rural areas.
Officials attribute the growth of sports culture in Gujarat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, who initiated Khel Mahakumbh in 2010 during his tenure as Gujarat chief minister. The program has reignited enthusiasm for sports in the state and unearthed talent from remote regions.
The state-level athletics competition, part of Khel Mahakumbh 2025, took place at the High Performance Centre in Nadiad from January 16 to February 3. Nearly 9,400 athletes, including boys and girls across various age categories, participated, showcasing the increasing interest and broader engagement in sports.
The competition featured a variety of events, from short sprints to long-distance races, hurdles, jumps, throws, and relay races. Outstanding performers were recognized with medals and tracksuits. The government also highlighted successful athletes like Sarita Gaikwad, Mayur Malaviya, Ruchit Mori, and Murali Gavit, who have emerged from Gujarat’s sports ecosystem.
Sarita Gaikwad, known as the “Golden Girl” from Dang district, clinched a gold medal in the women’s 4×400 metre relay team at the 2018 Asian Games. Murali Gavit earned a bronze medal in the men’s 10,000 metre event at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships, bringing international acclaim to Gujarat athletics. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing talented athletes and enhancing Gujarat’s sports standing.
