Ira Singh 
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the registration for Gujarat’s largest sporting event, Khel Mahakumbh 2025, on the occasion of National Sports Day, celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.At a felicitation ceremony organised by the Sports Journalists’ Association of Gujarat (SJAG) at Karnavati Club, Ahmedabad, 20 athletes and coaches were honoured for their outstanding achievements. Addressing the gathering, Patel said sportsmanship is a vital element of every sport and praised SJAG for recognising talent on this significant day.
Highlighting Gujarat’s sporting progress, the Chief Minister noted that Ahmedabad, with its world-class stadiums, modern training facilities, and vibrant sports culture, is well-prepared to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, recently approved by the Central Government. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nurturing a strong sports culture over the last two decades, guided by the mantra “Khele Te Khile.”Patel recalled that the Khel Mahakumbh, launched in 2010, has grown remarkably, with its third edition recording over 71 lakh participants. He urged sports enthusiasts across the state to register for the 2025 edition.
આજે #NationalSportsDay2025 ના અવસરે 'ખેલમહાકુંભ 2025' નું રજિસ્ટ્રેશન શરૂ થયું છે.
— Bhupendra Patel (@Bhupendrapbjp) August 29, 2025
ગુજરાતમાં વૈશ્વિક કક્ષાનું સ્પોર્ટ્સ ઈન્ફ્રાસ્ટ્રક્ચર બની રહ્યું છે, અને આપણા ખેલાડીઓ પણ રાષ્ટ્રીય-આંતરરાષ્ટ્રીય કક્ષાએ ઉજ્જ્વળ દેખાવ કરી રહ્યા છે. pic.twitter.com/hDbioqatWG
He also outlined Gujarat’s rapid expansion in sports infrastructure, which has grown from three complexes in 2002 to 24 today. Key developments include a 22-acre multi-utility sports centre in Naroda and the 233-acre Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave near the Narendra Modi Stadium. Patel added that the recently passed National Sports Governance Bill 2025, National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the upcoming Sports Policy 2025 aim to safeguard athletes and position India as a global sports powerhouse, including a bid for the 2036 Olympics.Urging citizens to support Vocal for Local, Patel called for the purchase of Swadeshi sports equipment to strengthen Viksit Gujarat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Olympic gold medallist Mirabai Chanu, who graced the event, lauded Gujarat as a sports-loving state and encouraged athletes to stay focused, committed, and hardworking.Rajya Sabha MP Narhari Amin praised Gujarat’s contribution to India’s sporting achievements, while Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain stressed the importance of encouraging youth to actively participate in sports.SJAG President Tushar Trivedi highlighted the association’s role since 1994 in promoting talent and ensuring recognition for athletes across Gujarat.Among the awardees were emerging players Amaaira Varun Patel (Karate), Arhan Harsh (Swimming), and Aanya Patel (Billiards). Player of the Game awards went to Ruchit Mori (Athletics), Avantika Negi (Gymnastics), Krishnapalsinh Gohil (Basketball), Havisha Bajaj (Basketball), Dhruvil Patel (Volleyball), Mohammad Murtuza Vania (Deaf Shooting), and Khushbu Saroj (Football). Pride of Gujarat Awards were presented to Aniket Patel (Soft Tennis), Urvil Patel (Cricket), Dhvaj Haria (Billiards), Manush Shah (Table Tennis), and Vishwa Vasanawala (Chess). Coaches and contributors including Maksud Sangtani (Table Tennis), Shrimali Bhatt (Tennis), and boxing coach Maksud received recognition, while Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to umpire Mahendra Pandya and cricket coach M.S. Qureshi.The event was attended by Sports Authority of Gujarat Director General Sandip Sagale, Indian Olympic Association Senior Vice President Ajay Patel, office-bearers of SJAG, athletes, and coaches.
(State Correspondent)
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