📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Harman Godara
Sports
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel to Inaugurate Khel Mahakumbh 3.0, 7.1 Million Athletes Expected
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 21 Aug 2026, 05:03 AM
👁 4
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel will officially open the Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 sports festival today, with more than 7.1 million athletes slated to take part across Gujarat.
Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is set to inaugurate the third edition of the Khel Mahakumbh sports festival today. The ceremony, scheduled for the morning, will mark the official launch of a statewide event that aims to bring together athletes from schools, colleges and community clubs.
Organisers project participation of over 7.1 million athletes, making it one of the largest grassroots sports gatherings in the country. Competitions will span a wide range of disciplines, from traditional Indian games to athletics, providing a platform for talent identification at the district level.
The event is being conducted under the Gujarat government's sports promotion scheme, with an emphasis on digital engagement; an e‑inauguration component will allow remote participation and live streaming of key matches. Officials say the Mahakumbh seeks to foster a culture of physical activity and uncover future national‑level sportspersons.
Over the next few weeks, the festival will rotate across multiple venues in the state, offering facilities such as upgraded playgrounds and temporary arenas. The government has pledged logistical support and prize incentives to encourage widespread involvement.
Organisers project participation of over 7.1 million athletes, making it one of the largest grassroots sports gatherings in the country. Competitions will span a wide range of disciplines, from traditional Indian games to athletics, providing a platform for talent identification at the district level.
The event is being conducted under the Gujarat government's sports promotion scheme, with an emphasis on digital engagement; an e‑inauguration component will allow remote participation and live streaming of key matches. Officials say the Mahakumbh seeks to foster a culture of physical activity and uncover future national‑level sportspersons.
Over the next few weeks, the festival will rotate across multiple venues in the state, offering facilities such as upgraded playgrounds and temporary arenas. The government has pledged logistical support and prize incentives to encourage widespread involvement.