Youth icon and Arjuna Awardee Shikhar Dhawan reaffirmed his commitment to inspiring the next generation of athletes and strengthening grassroots sport as the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026 commenced at Chhatrasal Stadium in the national capital on Thursday.
Appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the inaugural edition of the multi-sport initiative, Dhawan addressed young athletes as Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, officially launched the event in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of Education and Sports, Ashish Sood.
Speaking to thousands of participants, Dhawan emphasised the importance of structured opportunities in shaping India’s sporting future and highlighted the need to combine participation with long-term development pathways for athletes.
Da One Group, founded by Dhawan, has joined the Government of Delhi as the Sports Development Partner for the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh. The Group’s philosophy of creating opportunities and providing exposure to athletes aligns with the objectives of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh, an initiative of the Directorate of Education and Sports, Government of NCT of Delhi.
Shikhar Dhawan said, “I am deeply honoured to be part of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh and to see so many young athletes stepping forward with passion and determination. Platforms like this give children the confidence they need to grow and unlock their potential. Through my journey as a professional athlete and now with Da One Sports, I have always believed that creating the right ecosystem is key to long-term success. My vision is to inspire young people and help create the champions of tomorrow. The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh reflects that vision, an environment where participation blends with opportunity, and where the next generation of athletes can begin shaping their own stories.”
Anshita Gupta, CEO of Da One Group, said, “The Delhi Khel Mahakumbh reflects the scale and intent required to strengthen India’s sporting ecosystem. As Sports Development Partner, Da One Sports is committed towards ensuring that participation is supported by mentorship, systems and long-term progression pathways. We are proud to align with an initiative that prioritises grassroots access and sustainable development. We look forward to contributing to an ecosystem that empowers young athletes with the right exposure and support.”
The inaugural edition of the Delhi Khel Mahakumbh 2026 features participation from thousands of young athletes across basketball, football, athletics, kabaddi, wrestling, squash and volleyball, with representation from all 12 districts of Delhi. The initiative aims to provide competitive exposure and strengthen grassroots sporting culture across the capital.
