Sports – The Delhi government is set to roll out a major sporting initiative aimed at energising the city’s athletic landscape. On Friday, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will formally inaugurate the “Khelo Delhi – Delhi Khel Mahakumbh,” a large-scale event designed to encourage participation in competitive sports and nurture emerging talent across the national capital.
The inauguration ceremony will be held at Chhatrasal Stadium, where the Chief Minister is scheduled to open the month-long tournament. The event has been conceptualised on the lines of the national Khelo India programme, with a focus on expanding access to organised sports at the grassroots level.
A day ahead of the launch, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood met with stakeholders to discuss preparations and expectations from the Mahakumbh. During an interactive session attended by media representatives and prominent figures from the sports community, Sood highlighted that the capital city has no shortage of skilled athletes. According to him, the primary need is to provide structured opportunities and a reliable platform for these individuals to showcase their abilities.
More than 50 sports influencers from different parts of India, along with Arjuna Award recipients, coaches, and former athletes, took part in the dialogue.
In its initial phase, the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh will feature competitions in seven major sporting disciplines. These include football, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and several other selected events. Organisers have indicated that additional sports may be incorporated in future editions as the tournament expands.
Events will be hosted across 17 prominent stadiums in the capital. Key venues include Chhatrasal Stadium as well as sports complexes located in Bawana, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, and South Delhi. By spreading the competitions across various parts of the city, the administration aims to make participation more accessible to athletes from diverse backgrounds.
According to Minister Sood, more than 16,000 athletes have already registered for the event, and the enrolment process remains open. The government hopes to cross the 30,000-participant mark during the ongoing edition of the Mahakumbh.
Looking ahead, officials have set an ambitious target to scale up the event in the coming years. The long-term objective is to enable participation of over 100,000 grassroots athletes annually, transforming the tournament into a flagship sports event for the capital.
A significant emphasis has been placed on encouraging greater involvement of women in sports. Minister Sood stated that safety arrangements and supportive measures will be prioritised to ensure comfortable participation for female athletes.
He added that higher representation of women in competitive sports can have a broader social impact by motivating others to engage in physical activity and organised athletics. Officials believe that a visible and inclusive sporting environment can help normalise women’s participation at all levels.
Beyond competition, the Delhi government views the Mahakumbh as a tool for social development. Speaking about the broader goals of the initiative, Sood noted that sports can instil discipline and provide constructive engagement for young people. By encouraging structured physical activity, the administration hopes to steer youth away from substance abuse and other harmful influences.
The event is also expected to serve as a scouting platform. Authorities have indicated that talented performers will receive guidance and structured support to progress to state, national, and potentially international levels.
To generate enthusiasm around the tournament, international cricketer Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the brand ambassador of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. Officials believe his association will inspire aspiring athletes and increase public interest in the event.
With large-scale participation, multiple venues, and government backing, the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh represents a significant step toward strengthening the city’s sports ecosystem. As competitions begin, organisers will be closely watching how this initiative shapes the next generation of athletes in the national capital.
