Haryana to Host Grand Khel Mahakumbh; Over 15,000 Athletes to Compete in 26 Sports Events

Chandigarh, July 31 – Haryana is set to launch the grand Khel Mahakumbh 2025 from August 2, with more than 15,000 athletes showcasing their skills across 26 sporting disciplines. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the event as the chief guest at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula.

Sharing the details at a press conference at the Civil Secretariat, Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam said the event reflects the strength of Haryana’s progressive sports policy and its athletes’ exceptional performances on national and international platforms. Despite comprising only 2% of the country’s population, Haryana contributes nearly 60% of India’s medals at global events. The Khel Mahakumbh will further that legacy.

The event will take place in two phases, with the first phase running from August 2 to 4. The second phase is scheduled for the last week of August. A total of 15,410 athletes from all 22 districts and the Haryana Sports University, Rai (Sonipat), will participate.

Four venues will host the competitions: Panchkula will see events in athletics, badminton, basketball, handball, and hockey; Faridabad will host shooting and taekwondo; Rohtak will organize boxing, netball, and football; and Sonipat will conduct lawn tennis. Across the two phases, 2,102 medals will be awarded—836 in the first phase and 1,266 in the second.

Gautam said Haryana’s Khel Mahakumbh is larger than any national competition in India, surpassing even the Khelo India Youth Games, which involve around 8,000 participants.

To ensure smooth logistics, the state has formed a special coordination committee under the Additional Director of Sports. Players’ selection was carried out under district sports officials’ supervision to maintain fairness. Adequate food, lodging, and kits have been arranged for athletes. The committee will also handle grievances related to facilities and technical issues, and officials found negligent will face immediate disciplinary action.

Haryana, he added, is committed to enhancing athletes’ skills by providing international-level infrastructure, expert coaching, employment, and social recognition. A yearly sports calendar has been issued, with 18 different events scheduled to develop sporting talent throughout the year.

Additionally, winners of the Khel Mahakumbh will receive sports gradation certificates, making them eligible for 3% reservation in government jobs, as per the state’s sports policy.