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Sports
Gujarat’s Khel Mahakumbh Swells to 7.6 million Participants, Boosts State’s Sports Culture, Says CM
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 10 Oct 2026, 05:31 PM
👁 16
The Khel Mahakumbh event in Gujarat saw participation rise from 1.6 million to 7.6 million, with the chief minister saying it has forged a new sporting culture in the state.
Gujarat’s annual Khel Mahakumbh festival recorded a sharp surge in participation, climbing from roughly 1.6 million entrants in its earlier editions to an estimated 7.6 million this year. The massive turnout reflects the event’s growing appeal across schools, colleges and community groups throughout the state.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, addressing the closing ceremony, praised the festival for cultivating a fresh sporting ethos among Gujarat’s youth. He noted that the sheer scale of involvement signals a shift toward greater physical activity and competitive spirit at the grassroots level.
Officials said the expanded roster of sports and cultural activities, coupled with government support, has helped embed regular exercise into daily routines. The CM expressed confidence that the momentum generated by Khel Mahakumbh will translate into stronger performance in national competitions and a healthier population overall.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, addressing the closing ceremony, praised the festival for cultivating a fresh sporting ethos among Gujarat’s youth. He noted that the sheer scale of involvement signals a shift toward greater physical activity and competitive spirit at the grassroots level.
Officials said the expanded roster of sports and cultural activities, coupled with government support, has helped embed regular exercise into daily routines. The CM expressed confidence that the momentum generated by Khel Mahakumbh will translate into stronger performance in national competitions and a healthier population overall.