Rajnath Singh Inaugurates 'Sansad Khel Mahakumbh' in Lucknow, Emphasizes Sports as Pillar of Nation Building
Lucknow, April 19 — Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the ‘Sansad Khel Mahakumbh’ on Saturday at the historic KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow, highlighting the pivotal role of sports in shaping a developed and united India. Lauding the Centre and state governments for their efforts in promoting athletes and sporting infrastructure, Singh described the initiative as a significant milestone for the country’s future.
He acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of involving Members of Parliament in organizing sports competitions within their constituencies, calling it a transformative move that adds value to social development. By including Lucknow in this chain, he said, the city is once again reclaiming its identity as a sports hub.
Recalling the city’s glorious sporting past, Singh reminisced about legends like hockey maestro KD Singh Babu, Dhyan Chand, and Ashok Kumar, who shaped Lucknow’s rich sports culture. He noted that India’s first AstroTurf was installed in Lucknow in the 1980s and that the city had hosted national games post-independence. Even before the Indian Premier League matches came to Lucknow, the city was host to the iconic Sheesh Mahal Trophy, attracting Team India’s top cricketers.
Highlighting a shift in societal perceptions, Singh mentioned how once a common saying suggested that sports could lead to a bleak future, but today, children aspire to be like Leander Paes, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, PV Sindhu, D Gukesh, and Neeraj Chopra. He emphasized that sports instill discipline, teamwork, and a "nation-first" mindset — values that extend beyond the field.
He stressed that under PM Modi’s leadership, a new sporting culture has emerged in India. No longer content with mere participation, Indian athletes now aim for victory and command respect worldwide. Singh credited this transformation to pro-sports policies by the central and Uttar Pradesh governments.
He pointed out that over 3,000 athletes receive monthly financial assistance of Rs 50,000 under the Khelo India scheme for training, nutrition, coaching, and equipment. More than 1,000 Khelo India centres across the country are helping grassroots athletes sharpen their skills.
Referring to the long-term impact of the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh, Singh expressed confidence that in the coming years, youth from Lucknow will secure medals at national and international competitions. He reiterated the government's commitment to bringing the Olympic Games to India by 2036, with Gujarat proposed as a host, and added that efforts are also underway to host other global sporting events.
Singh concluded by stating that India's development journey is incomplete without a sporting revolution, and initiatives like this Mahakumbh serve as a foundation for that vision.
