Month-long sports fest Delhi Khel Mahakumbh commences in National Capital

Delhi on Friday inaugurated its first-ever state-level mega sports festival, the Khelo Delhi–Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, marking what officials describe as the capital’s largest grassroots sporting movement. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally launched the month-long event at Chhatrasal Stadium, which will span 17 venues and feature over 30,000 athletes.

Calling the initiative “far bigger than a routine tournament,” Gupta said the Mahakumbh is “not just a competition, it’s a grand celebration of Delhi’s dreams.” Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision and aligned with the Khelo India Mission and Fit India Movement, the festival seeks to revive Delhi’s sporting culture, identify grassroots talent, and place sports at the center of the city’s development agenda. The official mascot, “Ranveer,” was unveiled amid cheers.

The opening ceremony featured a vibrant parade, with over 1,000 participants including CWSN athletes, school bands, Nashik dhol performers, and players from universities and sports associations. Dignitaries toured the stadium in an open jeep, several athletes were felicitated on stage, and a performance by singer Parmish Verma added to the celebratory atmosphere.

Olympic medalist and Khel Ratna awardee Ravi Dahiya, international cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, and Paralympic medalist Sharad Kumar have been named brand ambassadors to inspire the next generation.

Gupta emphasized that Delhi has “never lacked talent,” but opportunity was missing. She highlighted that nearly Rs 33 crore in long-pending prize money has been released and outlined a new sports policy offering up to Rs 7 crore for Olympic and Paralympic gold medalists, along with financial and insurance support for athletes across levels. “Our goal is to ensure no athlete from Delhi ever faces a lack of resources while representing the city or the country,” she said.

Sports Minister Ashish Sood described the Mahakumbh as a mass movement, not a one-time event. “Delhi is not just returning to sports, it is preparing to lead,” he said, adding that local akharas and neighborhood stadiums will serve as training grounds for future champions.

The festival features competitions across seven core sports, with a special focus on women’s participation and one of the most attractive prize structures in the country. Khelo Delhi-Delhi Khel Mahakumbh sets the stage for a new era in Delhi sports, aiming to shape the champions of tomorrow.