New Delhi: The Delhi Government is set to launch Delhi Khel Mahakumbh from February 13, marking what Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood described as a decisive step towards reviving the sports ecosystem in the national capital.
Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, Sood said the initiative reflects the renewed priority accorded to sports under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, with the government committed to transforming Delhi into the Sports Capital of India.
The Minister alleged that sports and youth activities in Delhi suffered prolonged neglect under the previous government, both in terms of funding and participation. He pointed out that the sports budget declined steadily—from ₹60 crore in 2021–22 to ₹41 crore in 2022–23, further dropping to ₹26 crore in 2023–24, where it remained stagnant until 2024–25. “This downward trend has now been decisively reversed,” Sood said, announcing that the allocation for Sports and Youth Affairs has been tripled to ₹76 crore for 2025–26.
Criticising the earlier administration, Sood said budget cuts, financial mismanagement and strained relations with the Central Government stalled sports infrastructure development in Delhi. Construction of new playgrounds, major stadium projects and modernisation of existing facilities were severely affected, while liabilities to vendors and service providers remained unpaid for years. These dues, he said, were cleared only after the change in government.
The Minister further alleged that the previous regime distanced Delhi from national youth and sports programmes, limiting participation in major Central Government initiatives. Several events, he said, were conducted merely as formalities, often behind closed doors, depriving young athletes of meaningful exposure. Participation in national platforms such as the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2025 remained minimal, while cash incentives due to athletes were delayed for nearly two years.
Highlighting corrective measures taken by the current government, Sood said new schemes have been introduced to support athletes financially and improve facilities. Player welfare initiatives now include accommodation support, upgraded stadium infrastructure and travel assistance, including AC train tickets.
Announcing details of the upcoming event, Sood said Delhi Khel Mahakumbh will be inaugurated on February 13 by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. In its first phase, competitions will be held in seven sports—Kabaddi, Football, Athletics, Wrestling, Basketball, Volleyball and Squash—with participation from over 20,000 athletes.
The month-long event will be hosted across 16 stadiums and venues in different parts of Delhi, including Bawana, Vikaspuri and Najafgarh, aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for youth from all regions of the city.
Attractive prize money has also been announced. In team events, the gold-winning team will receive ₹1.75 lakh, silver ₹1.51 lakh and bronze ₹1.31 lakh. In individual events, prize money will be ₹11,000 for gold, ₹9,000 for silver and ₹7,000 for bronze.
On the occasion, Sood also unveiled ‘Runveer’, the official mascot of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, describing it as a symbol of energy, courage and the sporting spirit of Delhi’s youth.
Appealing to sports associations, media organisations and citizens, the Minister called for collective support to encourage athletes and help position Delhi as a hub of sporting excellence.
