Former India cricketer and Arjuna Awardee Shikhar Dhawan has taken on the role of brand ambassador for the inaugural Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. The Directorate of Education and Sports, under the Government of NCT of Delhi, has launched a major sporting initiative.
The programme aims to strengthen grassroots sports and create a structured framework for identifying talent across the city.
The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh also serves as a city-wide sporting movement that encourages participation at the school and community levels.
By offering young athletes structured competition and greater visibility, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between grassroots sport and professional pathways. Meanwhile, the first edition of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh will begin on February 13 and unfold across 16 venues in the national capital.
As a result, thousands of young sportspersons from all 12 districts of Delhi will take part in the event.
Athletes will compete across multiple disciplines, including athletics, basketball, football, kabaddi, wrestling, squash, and volleyball.
Government’s Commitment to Sports Education
The initiative reflects the Delhi government’s broader vision of integrating sport into youth development and education.
Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood described the initiative. “The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is envisioned as a transformative platform for talent and sports development. Shikhar Dhawan’s association as Brand Ambassador brings immense credibility and inspiration to the initiative, and integrates perfectly with our objective of grassroots development, encouraging widespread participation and identifying future sporting talent,” Minister Ashish Sood mentioned.
Reacting to his appointment, Shikhar Dhawan expressed gratitude to the Delhi government and also to the Directorate of Education and Sports.
Dhawan said, “I feel extremely grateful and would like to thank the Government of Delhi and the Directorate of Education and Sports for this honour. The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh is a commendable step towards the growth of the sport in the region which is brimming with talent and seeking the right opportunity and exposure.”
“As a professional athlete, I understand how vital it is to have a platform to showcase talent, and through my venture Da One Sports, I have remained strongly committed to building pathways and an ecosystem that helps youngsters achieve their dreams. Delhi has a rich legacy in Indian sports and I hope that through this association I am able to inspire budding talent to believe in themselves and participate, contributing towards our vision of making Delhi sports capital of the country,” he added.
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