The Delhi Government on Monday announced the launch of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, a month-long multi-sport event aimed at reviving sports culture in the Capital.

Addressing a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat, Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood said the initiative marked a decisive shift in the government’s approach to sports development.

Providing details, Sood said the event would be inaugurated on February 13 by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. In the first phase, competitions will be held in seven disciplines — kabaddi, football, athletics, wrestling, basketball, volleyball and squash — with participation from over 20,000 athletes.

Highlighting budgetary changes, Sood said the sports budget, which stood at Rs 60 crore in 2021–22, was progressively reduced under the previous government and remained stagnant at Rs 26 crore until 2024–25. “Sports budget in Delhi tripled under the government of Rekha Gupta,” he said, adding that the allocation for Sports and Youth Affairs has now been increased to Rs 76 crore in 2025–26.