13 Feb, 2026
Delhi Khel Mahakumbh Officially Announced at First Press Conference
The first official press conference of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh was held on Monday at the Delhi Secretariat to formally announce the launch of the citywide multi-sport initiative aimed at promoting sports participation and youth engagement across the capital. During the press conference, Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Education, Shri Ashish Sood, announced that Delhi Khel Mahakumbh will commence from 13 February 2026, with the inauguration to be conducted by Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta.
Seven Sports Disciplines in the Initial Phase
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Addressing the media, Shri Ashish Sood stated that the competition will be conducted in its initial phase across seven sports disciplines — Kabaddi, Football, Athletics, Wrestling, Basketball, Volleyball, and Squash. The event is expected to witness participation from more than 20,000 athletes.
Matches to Be Held Across 16 Stadiums and Multiple Venues
Delhi Khel Mahakumbh will be organised over a period of one month and will take place across 16 stadiums and several venues in different parts of Delhi, including Bawana, Vikaspuri, and Najafgarh, among others. The decentralised venue plan aims to provide equal access and participation opportunities to athletes from all regions of the city.
Official Mascot Unveiled
At the press conference, Shri Ashish Sood also unveiled the official mascot of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, named ‘Runveer’. The mascot symbolises the energy, courage, and sportsmanship of Delhi’s youth, and will serve as a unifying identity throughout the Games.
Prize Money Announced for Winning Teams and Athletes
Details of the prize structure were also shared. In team events, prize money will be awarded as follows:
- Gold: ₹1,75,000
- Silver: ₹1,51,000
- Bronze: ₹1,31,000
For individual events, winners will receive:
- Gold: ₹11,000
- Silver: ₹9,000
- Bronze: ₹7,000
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Sports Development
Speaking at the press conference, Shri Ashish Sood emphasised the Delhi Government’s renewed focus on sports development. He stated that the government has taken steps to reverse years of reduced investment in sports and has significantly increased funding for the sector.
For the financial year 2026, the budget allocation for Sports and Youth Affairs has been increased to ₹76 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and supporting young athletes.
The press conference marked the formal beginning of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, setting the stage for a month-long celebration of competitive sport across the capital.
forward as a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the unstoppable spirit of sport
13 Feb, 2026
‘Runveer’ Unveiled: The Symbol of Strength and Sporting Spirit of Delhi
At the official press conference announcing Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, Hon’ble Minister for Sports and Education, Shri Ashish Sood, unveiled the official mascot of the Games — ‘Runveer’.
The unveiling of Ranveer marks an important milestone in the journey of Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. Designed to reflect energy, courage, resilience, and discipline, Ranveer embodies the true spirit of Delhi’s young athletes and the values that the Games stand for.
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Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashish Sood highlighted that Runveer represents the enthusiasm, confidence, and sporting attitude of Delhi’s youth and serves as an inspiration for young players to pursue excellence with integrity and determination.
As Delhi Khel Mahakumbh unfolds across multiple stadiums and venues throughout the capital, Runveer will stand as a unifying presence — motivating athletes, energising spectators, and reinforcing the message that sports are not just about winning, but about character, commitment, and collective growth.
With Runveer leading the way, Delhi Khel Mahakumbh steps
