Grand Sports Mahakumbh to be Organized, Over 15,000 Athletes to Participate: Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam

Chandigarh, Aug 25 – Haryana’s Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, stated that due to the state’s excellent sports policy and consistent medal wins at national and international events, Haryana has emerged as a leader in Indian sports. Despite representing only 2% of the country’s population, Haryana’s athletes contribute to 60% of India’s medal wins at international competitions. Continuing this legacy, the Sports Mahakumbh 2025 will begin in two phases starting August 2, with 15,410 athletes participating in 26 different sports.

Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the event as Chief Guest at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula on August 2. The first phase will run till August 4. For the first time, this state-level event is being held as a grand ceremony inaugurated by the Chief Minister.

While addressing the press conference at the Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh, the Sports Minister expressed pride that Haryana athletes have won medals in each of the past five Olympic Games, bringing home 15 medals and making the nation proud.

He added that the 26 sports will be hosted across four locations:

Panchkula: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Handball, Hockey

Faridabad: Shooting, Taekwondo

Rohtak: Boxing, Netball, Football

Sonipat: Lawn Tennis

Athletes from all 22 districts and Haryana Sports University, Rai (Sonipat), will participate. In both phases of the event, a total of 2,102 medals will be awarded — 836 in the first phase and 1,266 in the second. The second phase will be held in the last week of August.

Among the Largest Sporting Events in the Country

The Minister highlighted that Haryana’s Sports Mahakumbh will be bigger than many national-level sports events. For comparison, around 8,000 athletes participate in the Khelo India Youth Games organized by the Sports Authority of India, while over 15,000 will compete in this Mahakumbh.

High-Quality Food and Facilities for Athletes

He assured that the selection of athletes from districts was conducted fairly under the supervision of district sports officers. Proper arrangements for food, kits, and accommodation have been made to ensure athletes face no inconvenience. A special coordination committee has been formed under the Additional Sports Director to oversee the event. Any athlete across the state can report issues related to facilities or technical arrangements directly to the committee. Immediate action will be taken against negligent officials.

State Government Committed to Nurturing Sports Talent

The Minister emphasized that just as a coach plays a crucial role in grooming athletes, the state government is committed to providing international-level infrastructure, excellent coaches, employment opportunities, and recognition to athletes. Haryana has released an annual sports calendar, under which 18 types of sports events are organized.

Winners to Receive Sports Gradation Certificates and 3% Job Reservation

He further stated that according to Haryana’s sports policy, winners of the Sports Mahakumbh will receive sports gradation certificates, which help in availing 3% reservation in government jobs for sportspersons.