Gujarat's Khel Mahakumbh: A Vision Realized for Sports Development
Gujarat's Sports Hub Vision
Harsh Sanghavi, the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative of Khel Mahakumbh, which aims to establish Gujarat as a prominent sports center in India. During his address at the Sports Governance Conclave held at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, he highlighted that the Prime Minister perceives sports as an essential element for nation-building, attributing Gujarat's rise as a sports hub to this vision.
The Khel Mahakumbh Dream
"I wish to acknowledge the foundation that has led to our current achievements. Over fifteen years ago, when Narendra Modi served as Gujarat's Chief Minister, he envisioned the Khel Mahakumbh. This vision has now been realized on a grand scale. Initially, many dismissed sports as mere leisure, but PM Modi recognized its potential as a significant instrument for nation-building," Sanghavi stated.
Khel Mahakumbh's Expansion
Sanghavi noted that Gujarat is rapidly becoming a key sports hub, fueled by a long-term strategy. The Khel Mahakumbh has experienced remarkable growth in participation, increasing from around 2 million players at its inception to an impressive 7.3 million (73 lakh) participants this year. "Thanks to this vision, Gujarat is on the path to becoming a sports hub, hosting tournaments for various sports federations nationwide. The Khel Mahakumbh began with roughly 2 million players, and this year, we have seen 7.3 million players take part," he added.
Fostering Grassroots Talent
The Khel Mahakumbh serves as a significant sporting festival in Gujarat, aimed at discovering and nurturing grassroots talent throughout the state. Each year, thousands of athletes from rural and urban areas engage in this grand event, with many going on to represent Gujarat in national competitions. This initiative has not only promoted extensive participation but has also fostered a culture of discipline, commitment, and healthy competition among the youth.