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Ahead of the much-awaited National Games 2025 in Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and Sports Minister Rekha Arya inaugurated the Khel Mahakumbh in the state. 12,000 athletes will participate across various sports at the mega-event.
The inauguration ceremony took place in Nanurkheda, with Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami and Sports Minister Rekha Arya present at the mini stadium.
Players were divided into district-wise groups as they kickstarted the proceedings with a march past. This was followed by athletes displaying their talents in local sports like Mallakhamb, Pitthu, Murga Jhapat and Yoga.
"Events like Khel Mahakumbh are helping in unearthing the best talents. Our government has changed both the thinking and approach towards sports in our society. The players of the state should focus only on their sports, it is the job of our government to focus on their development," Rekha Arya said at the event.
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Raipur MLA Umesh Sharma Kau, Special Sports Secretary Amit Sinha, Director Sports and Youth Welfare Prashant Arya also accompanied Sports Minister Rekha to the event.
"We are not only expanding sports facilities but also increasing the opportunities for the athletes" - Rekha Arya
Highlighting the efforts made by the Uttarakhand government for the betterment of sports in the state, Sports Minister Rekha said:
"Our government is leaving no stone unturned in encouraging the players. We are not only expanding sports facilities but also increasing the opportunities for the athletes. In this Khel Mahakumbh also, if any player breaks the national record, he will be given a cash reward of one lakh rupees."
Apart from that, Chief Minister Pushkar Dhami endorsed the promise made by Sports Minister Arya and mentioned that the medal winners of Khel Mahakumbh would receive benefits of the 4% sports reservation.
Arya concluded by honoring the players who performed well at the national and international levels with an incentive cheque.
