New Delhi, Feb 13(.) Arjuna Awardee Shikhar Dhawan, the Brand Ambassador of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026, reaffirmed his commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes and strengthening grassroots sport at the Chhatrasal Stadium in the capital on Friday.
Appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the first edition of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, Dhawan addressed young athletes as Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta launched the multi-sport initiative in the presence of Minister of Education and Sports, Ashish Sood.
Addressing thousands of young participants, Dhawan highlighted the importance of structured opportunities in shaping India’s sporting future and underscored the need to combine participation with long-term pathways for athlete development.
Da One Group, founded by Dhawan, is the Sports Development Partner of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. The Group’s philosophy of creating opportunities and providing exposure to athletes aligns closely with the objectives of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, an initiative of the Directorate of Education and Sports, Government of NCT of Delhi.
Shikhar Dhawan said, “I am deeply honoured to be part of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh and to see so many young athletes stepping forward with passion and determination. Platforms like this give children the confidence they need to grow and unlock their potential. Through my journey as a professional athlete and now with Da One Sports, I have always believed that creating the right ecosystem is key to long-term success. My vision is to inspire young people and help create the champions of tomorrow. The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh reflects that vision, an environment where participation blends with opportunity, and where the next generation of athletes can begin shaping their own stories.”
Anshita Gupta, CEO, Da One Group, said, “The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh reflects the scale and intent required to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem. As Sports Development Partner, Da One Sports is committed towards ensuring that participation is supported by mentorship, systems and long-term progression pathways. We are proud to align with an initiative that prioritises grassroots access and sustainable development. We look forward to contributing to an ecosystem that empowers young athletes with the right exposure and support.”
The inaugural edition of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026 features participation from thousands of young athletes across basketball, football, athletics, kabaddi, wrestling, squash and volleyball, with representation from all 12 districts of Delhi. The initiative aims to provide competitive exposure and strengthen grassroots sporting culture across the capital.
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