Gujarat Unveils Ambitious Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 Ahead of Maharajas' Fair

Rajkot: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched Khel Mahakumbh 3.0, a highly anticipated sporting extravaganza, in Rajkot on Saturday, highlighting the government's unwavering commitment to developing world-class sports infrastructure.

The state has drastically expanded its sports budget, increasing it to Rs 352 crore from an initial meagre Rs 2.5 crore back in 2002. This jump facilitated the planning and construction of advanced equipment facilities, training programs, and sports complexes across all districts of Gujarat.

Significantly, the state witnessed a tremendous surge in sports infrastructure, with three stadiums operational in 2002 expanding to 24 across 22 districts today. Thirteen more stadium constructions are underway, alongside massive projects such as the multi-utility sports centre in Naranpura and the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, which is slated to be built near Narendra Modi Stadium to bolster Gujarat's sporting status.

Coinciding with the upcoming Maharajas' Fair in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Khel Mahakumbh 3.0 symbolized a grand celebration of sports orchestrated by the Sports Authority of Gujarat. Chief Minister Patel and other key government officials commemorated the past year's impressive athletic achievements as well as India's ambitious goal to host the 2036 Olympics, positioning Gujarat to become a potential venue for high-profile international events.

This development underlines Gujarat's growing commitment to hosting world-class spectacles that would highlight its sporting prowess while also propelling the state forward.