Sood, during a media interaction on Thursday, said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Delhi CM, the state government is set to organize “Khelo Delhi– Delhi Khel Mahakumbh” on the lines of Khelo India, which will begin on Friday, as it will be inaugurated by CM Rekha Gupta at Chhatrasal Stadium.
‘Every child in Delhi is our own child’: Education Minister Ashish Sood slams AAP's ‘optics’. (File Photo: IANS)
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday said that the Chief Minister Rekha Gupta-led government wants to promote sports culture and create a sports ecosystem in the national capital.
Sood, during a media interaction on Thursday, said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Delhi CM, the state government is set to organize “Khelo Delhi– Delhi Khel Mahakumbh” on the lines of Khelo India, which will begin on Friday, as it will be inaugurated by CM Rekha Gupta at Chhatrasal Stadium.
Advertisement
The opening ceremony will feature a grand march-past led by Delhi’s para-athletes, minister Sood added.
Advertisement
According to Sood, this initiative for the national capital is aimed towards strengthening and promoting sports culture, making it part of people’s lifestyle.
Sood also interacted about the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh with the media and more than 50 sports influencers, Arjuna Awardees, fitness coaches, and sports personalities, who inspire people, promoting sports and a healthy lifestyle.
The minister stated that Delhi has no shortage of talent, and the need is to give the right platform and opportunity.
Notably, the Delhi government is going to hold competitions in seven major sports disciplines under the initial phase of the Khel Mahakumbh, that include Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Kabaddi, and other events.
All the seventeen major stadiums across the city will host these competitions, that include the Chhatrasal Stadium, stadiums in Bawana, Najafgarh, Vikaspuri, South Delhi, and several other key locations.
Highlighting the scale of participation, Sood stated that more than 16000 athletes have already registered, and the process is ongoing.
The government aims to ensure participation of over 30,000 athletes in this month-long sports festival, and in the years to come, the target is to expand participation to over one lakh grassroots athletes annually.
He emphasized that the initiative will provide a significant platform for women athletes as well, while attention will be given to women’s safety and participation.
“Increased involvement of women in sports will create a positive ripple effect, encouraging more to actively participate,” Sood said.
The minister noted that sports instil discipline among youth and play a crucial role in keeping them away from substance abuse and other social evils.
“Through this initiative, not only will emerging talent be identified, but structured efforts will also be made to support their progression to national and international levels,” the education minister emphasized.
Interestingly, the event will also help assess and enhance sports infrastructure across the national capital, as the hosting events across various stadiums will provide valuable insights into infrastructural requirements that are going to enable future upgrades, the minister added.
Chief Minister has assured the sports department that sports facilities in Delhi will be further modernized and developed to world-class standards in the coming years, Sood said.
Advertisement
