Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Inaugurates Khel Mahakumbh 3.0
Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, launched the Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 event for athletes in Rajkot. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel stated that the state government is committed to offering top-tier infrastructure for athletes and plans to boost the sports budget to guarantee convenient access to equipment, training facilities, and sports complexes.
The budget, which was Rs 2.5 crore in 2002, has now surged to Rs 352 crore. Back in 2002, the state had only three sports complexes. Up to now, 24 sports complexes have been established across 22 districts, and an additional 13 are currently under construction in the state.
Multi-Utility Sports Center to be built
During the inauguration of Mahakumbh 3.0, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced the construction of a multi-utility sports center on 22 acres in Naranpura. In addition, a cricket stadium, which will become the largest in the world, is planned to be built on 233 acres of land near Narendra Modi Stadium.
Inauguration of Khel Mahakumbh
The Gujarat CM described the Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 as the Khel Mahakumbh ahead of the Mahakumbh to be held in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh next week. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an atmosphere of trust and enthusiasm has been created in the country, making 2024 a year of significant achievements in sports for India.
He conveyed his appreciation for the Indian players' record-setting achievements at the Paris Paralympics, the landmark win in the World Chess Championship, and the growing involvement of women in sports, noting that these accomplishments have established new milestones.
Chief Minister Patel mentioned that the Prime Minister has initiated efforts to prepare India for hosting the 2036 Olympics. Under his leadership, Gujarat is set to organize five world-class sporting events in 2025, 2026, and 2029 as part of its Olympic preparations.
Sharing the growing participation in the event, he said that while 16 lakh players participated in the first edition in 2010, a record-breaking 71 lakh registrations have been registered this year. He also announced that the state government will honour winners of various games with a total prize of Rs 45 crore.