New Delhi, Feb 13 (.) Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday inaugurated the ‘Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026’ at the Chatrasal stadium, describing it as a platform to nurture sporting talent across the city.
Gupta was joined on stage by Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood, Olympic medallist Ravi Dahiya and Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the latter has been appointed the Brand Ambassador of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh.
The ceremony began with a grand march-past led by Delhi’s para-athletes girls and boys moving in proud formation alongside school students, music bands and NCC cadets, turning the arena into a vibrant mosaic of discipline, determination and youthful energy.
During the event, CM Rekha Gupta transferred over Rs 35 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 4,000 beneficiary athletes under the ‘Mukhyamantri Khel Protsahan Yojana’.
A few players were also honoured on stage, where the Chief Minister presented them with cheques in recognition of their achievements.
At the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, the ceremonial torch was also lit using a large balloon.
CM Gupta said that 20,500 people have registered for the Khel Mahakumbh which indicates the overwhelming participation of people of Delhi in the event. The winners, she said, will receive prizes worth lakhs of rupees.
She added that the government had transferred the pending dues of players directly into their bank accounts in one go. The Delhi government will award Rs 7 crore to international winners of the Olympics and Paralympics, she said.
National and state-level players will also be provided insurance coverage. The Delhi government will introduce new facilities for players, she informed.
Delhi’s Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said that the government was giving the highest rewards to players in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Shikhar Dhawan said: “The city of Delhi has supported me throughout my journey. Many great players have emerged from Delhi. The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh marks a new beginning. Talent exists everywhere, but it needs the right system and support.”
“The aim of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is to create champions. Delhi will soon be known as the sports capital of India. This Mahakumbh is the start of a new tomorrow,” Dhawan added.
The spectacle seamlessly blended sport and culture, with dance and music performances culminating in a dazzling laser and light show that bathed the stadium in celebration. With athletes, students and sporting icons sharing the spotlight, the evening set the tone for a city-wide festival of competition, aspiration and collective pride.
The month-long sporting event to be held across 16 stadiums and sports complexes including Chhatrasal Stadium, Bawana, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri and other key locations in the city, with participation from over 20,000 athletes.
Over 15,000 registrations have been received on the online portal so far. Competitions will be held in athletics, football, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and squash, organisers informed.
Delhi Khel Mahakumbh will provide a strong platform for women athletes, with special focus on their safety and participation.
This will include students from Delhi University colleges, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and participants from other universities, as well as registered sports clubs, academies, and sports associations.
The government has set a target of over 30,000 participants for this edition. In the coming years, the aim is to expand participation to more than one lakh grassroots athletes annually. The month-long sporting event is modelled on the lines of Khelo India and aims to strengthen the sports culture in the national capital.
. PKJ KK .