Khel Mahakumbh phase II begins; CM vows to make state ‘Sports Capital of the World’

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today inaugurated the second phase of the state-level Khel Mahakumbh at the Tau Devi Lal Sports Stadium in Panchkula, declaring the state’s ambition to emerge not just as India’s sports hub but as the “Sports Capital of the World.”

Calling the Mahakumbh more than just a competition, Saini said: “It is a movement aimed at strengthening the culture of sportsmanship and encouraging participation at the grassroots level. This initiative will pave the way for future champions while instilling discipline, determination and teamwork among our youth.”

Launched in 2017 during Haryana’s golden jubilee year, the event has completed five editions. The first phase held in August saw 15,410 athletes competing across 26 disciplines. The second phase, starting today, involves 9,959 athletes in 17 sports over three days across multiple districts.

Paralympians honoured

Highlighting Haryana’s sporting prowess, Saini felicitated medallists from the 17th Paralympic Games in Paris, where athletes from the state bagged five gold and three silver medals. The eight medallists received Rs 42 crore in cash awards.

“These athletes have brought pride not only to Haryana but to the entire nation. Their victories reflect the resilience and talent nurtured in our state,” the CM said.

Awards worth Rs 3.56 crore were distributed among 31 coaches, while certificates were presented to National Games gold medallists, 75 sports nursery incharges and 75 outstanding coaches from the Sports Department.

Investment in sports

The CM underlined Haryana’s steady investment in sports infrastructure. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that every village in Haryana produces an athlete who will make the country proud on the world stage,” he said.

Currently, 1,489 sports nurseries train more than 37,000 athletes. Children aged 8–14 get a monthly stipend of Rs 1,500, while those 15–19 receive Rs 2,000. Nursery instructors are paid up to Rs 25,000. The Haryana Outstanding Players Service Rules, 2021 has also created 550 posts in the Sports Department to secure careers for top athletes.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a sporting superpower by the 2036 Olympic Games, Saini said: “Preparations have already begun for this goal. I am confident Haryana’s athletes will contribute the most medals when India hosts the Games.”

Minister of State for Sports Gaurav Gautam hailed Haryana’s sports policy as “the best in the country” and announced that the Haryana Olympic Games will be revived this November after 15 years.

The event was attended by senior leaders, officials and sports enthusiasts, including former Vidhan Sabha Speaker Gian Chand Gupta, MLAs Randhir Panihar and Jagmohan Anand, Director General Sanjeev Verma and Deputy Commissioner Satpal Sharma.

Concluding his address, Saini said: “Today’s Khel Mahakumbh marks a golden chapter in Haryana’s journey towards becoming the sports capital of the world.”