New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) Delhi's Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially commenced the “Khelo Delhi – Delhi Khel Mahakumbh” on Friday, modeled after the Khelo India initiative, aiming to enhance and foster a lively sports culture in the capital city.

The opening event at Chhatrasal Stadium showcased a spectacular march-past led by the city’s para-athletes, while Chief Minister Gupta and renowned cricketer Shikhar Dhawan, the event’s Brand Ambassador, toured the stadium in an open SUV.

This month-long sports festival will take place at 16 stadiums and sports complexes, attracting over 20,000 athletes, as stated in an official announcement.

Participants will engage in various competitions, including athletics, football, wrestling, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and squash. This event will involve students from Delhi University, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, and other institutions, alongside registered sports clubs, academies, and associations.

Earlier, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood organized an interactive session concerning the upcoming Khel Mahakumbh. He acknowledged the wealth of talent in Delhi and emphasized the necessity of providing a suitable platform and opportunities.

Over 50 sports influencers, including Arjuna Awardees, fitness trainers, and distinguished sports figures were present for the discussion, alongside media representatives.

The government will conduct competitions in seven major sports disciplines during the initial phase of the Mahakumbh, encompassing football, basketball, volleyball, kabaddi, and several other selected events.

These competitions will be hosted at notable stadiums throughout Delhi, including Chhatrasal Stadium, Bawana, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, South Delhi, and other significant venues.

The Delhi government aims to secure participation from over 30,000 athletes in this month-long sports festival, with a vision to escalate participation to over 100,000 grassroots athletes annually in the years to come, as stated by Sood.

He also highlighted the importance of providing a substantial platform for female athletes.

“We will prioritize women's safety and participation. The increased involvement of women in sports will have a positive ripple effect, encouraging more women to engage actively,” Sood remarked.

He noted that sports foster discipline among youth and are essential in steering them away from substance abuse and other societal issues.

“This initiative will not only identify emerging talent but will also establish structured efforts to assist them in advancing to national and international levels,” Sood concluded.