Summary – Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurates Khelo Delhi, the city’s first mega sports festival at Chhatrasal Stadium, aiming to elevate grassroots sports.,
Article –
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally inaugurated the Khelo Delhi- Delhi Khel Mahakumbh at Chhatrasal Stadium on February 14, 2026. This marks the launch of Delhi’s first-ever state-level mega sports festival aimed at promoting sports at the grassroots level and showcasing local athletic talent across various disciplines.
What Happened?
The inauguration ceremony was held at the well-known Chhatrasal Stadium, where CM Rekha Gupta officially launched the Khelo Delhi initiative. This extensive sports festival is designed to unite participants from all city areas, encouraging youth engagement and sports development. The opening event included cultural presentations and speeches emphasizing the significance of sports for health, community engagement, and career potential.
Key Figures and Organisations
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was the chief guest at the launch. The event is supported by the Delhi government’s Department of Sports and Youth Welfare. Important officials and local sports authorities also took part, underlining their commitment to grassroots sports infrastructure and programs.
The festival covers numerous sports such as:
- Athletics
- Football
- Wrestling
- Badminton
- Kabaddi
Local clubs, schools, and community centers will host preliminary rounds, with finals held at central venues like Chhatrasal Stadium.
Key Numbers
The festival aims to engage over 10,000 athletes from across Delhi, including boys and girls in various age brackets. The event will run over several weeks, with schedules shared through official government channels and partners.
Locker-Room Reactions
At the post-inauguration press conference, CM Rekha Gupta said, “Khelo Delhi aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for nurturing talent in our city. We want to ensure every young athlete gets an opportunity to showcase their abilities and advance to national and international stages.”
Athletes and coaches expressed excitement about the festival, viewing it as a crucial platform to gain competitive experience and recognition. Local sports academies praised the initiative for enhancing Delhi’s sports culture and infrastructure.
Immediate Consequences
The launch of Khelo Delhi is expected to:
- Strengthen Delhi’s position in national sports by systematically identifying and nurturing talent early
- Increase grassroots participation in sports
- Improve local sports facilities
This festival complements the national Khelo India program by focusing on state-level execution and engagement.
Reactions from Fans and Officials
Fans and community members strongly support the event, emphasizing the need for accessible and well-organized sports programs in urban areas.
The Delhi Sports Development Authority stated that inclusive sporting events like Khelo Delhi improve health outcomes, foster social cohesion, and empower youth.
What Comes Next?
Preliminary competitions across multiple sports will begin soon. Officials have released upcoming fixtures, with the athletics trials scheduled to start in late February at district-level stadiums.
The Khelo Delhi sports festival marks a significant milestone in Delhi’s sporting history, signifying a stronger institutional commitment to sports development in the capital.
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