CM Nayab Singh Saini : Haryana’s Minister of State for Sports, Sh. Gaurav Gautam, announced that the state has emerged as a powerhouse in Indian sports, thanks to its robust sports policy and consistent performances at national and international levels. Despite accounting for just 2% of the country’s population, Haryana’s athletes are responsible for 60% of India’s international medal haul. Building on this legacy, the 2025 Sports Mahakumbh will kick off in two phases starting August 2, with 15,410 athletes competing in 26 different sports.
CM Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate the event as the Chief Guest at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Panchkula on August 2. The first phase of the event will continue until August 4. For the first time, this major state-level competition is being launched with a grand opening ceremony led by the Chief Minister himself.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Civil Secretariat in Chandigarh, the Sports Minister proudly noted that Haryana athletes have won medals in every Olympic Games over the past two decades, bringing home 15 medals and earning global recognition for the country.
Event Details and Venues
The 26 disciplines will be hosted at four key venues:
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Panchkula: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Handball, Hockey
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Faridabad: Shooting, Taekwondo
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Rohtak: Boxing, Netball, Football
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Sonipat: Lawn Tennis
Athletes from all 22 districts of the state, along with Haryana Sports University in Rai (Sonipat), will participate. Across both phases, a total of 2,102 medals will be awarded—836 in the first phase and 1,266 in the second, which will take place in the last week of August.
One of India’s Largest Sporting Events
The Minister emphasized that the scale of Haryana’s Sports Mahakumbh surpasses many national competitions. While the Khelo India Youth Games attract around 8,000 participants, this event will see over 15,000 athletes competing.
Top-Notch Facilities and Athlete Support
Gautam assured that athlete selection at the district level was carried out transparently under the watch of district sports officers. Comprehensive arrangements for meals, sports kits, and accommodation have been made. A dedicated coordination committee, headed by the Additional Director of Sports, has been established to monitor the event and ensure swift action in case of any complaints regarding facilities or technical issues.
State’s Commitment to Sporting Excellence
He reiterated the government’s commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure, offering quality coaching, job opportunities, and due recognition to athletes. The state has also introduced an annual sports calendar featuring 18 different events throughout the year.
Incentives for Winners
Under Haryana’s sports policy, winners of the Sports Mahakumbh will be awarded sports gradation certificates, making them eligible for a 3% reservation in government jobs allocated to sportspersons.
The Minister concluded by affirming the state’s dedication to nurturing athletic talent and reinforcing Haryana’s status as a leading contributor to India’s sporting success.