From 16 lakh participants to 76 lakh: Khel Mahakumbh created a new sporting culture in Gujarat, says CM

In Gujarat, the annual Khel Mahakumbh sporting event has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding from approximately 16.5 lakh participants in 2010 to over 76 lakh this year, as stated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday. During the inauguration of the 2026 edition of Khel Mahakumbh in Vadodara, Patel highlighted the state's transformation of mass participation into athletes capable of competing internationally, along with Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

Patel emphasized that though Gujarat possessed talented players, they lacked the appropriate platforms and opportunities, which Khel Mahakumbh had supplied. He attributed the creation of a new sporting culture in the state to the event's success. The CM acknowledged that Gujarat was dedicated to identifying skilled athletes, offering tailored training, and preparing them for international competitions.

He expressed concern that youngsters often spent excessive time on screens and urged them to devote more time to playing fields. Patel also called upon athletes to become ambassadors of the Fit India campaign, advocating for regular physical activity among their peers. Furthermore, he urged young people to contribute to a drug-free India by being role models in sports.

Sanghavi discussed the government's efforts to involve students and young individuals from schools, villages, and cities in organized sporting activities instead of confining them to digital platforms. The state government has quadrupled its budget for athlete training and facilities. Under the Shaktidoot scheme, the number of athletes receiving direct support has been increased from 50 to 500, while the government is striving to extend better sporting resources to rural areas.

During the event, the best-performing schools, districts, and municipal corporations in Khel Mahakumbh 2025 were recognized. Mehsana emerged as the overall state champion, followed by Kheda and Ahmedabad. Surat's municipal corporation secured the top position, while Ahmedabad and Vadodara ranked second and third, respectively.