Sansad Khel Mahakumbh: Lucknow’s Sporting Renaissance

On a vibrant April morning in 2025, the KD Singh Babu Stadium in Lucknow buzzed with anticipation. The air was thick with the scent of fresh grass and the rhythmic chants of young athletes warming up. Defence Minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh stood at the center of it all, inaugurating the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh—a grand celebration of sports that has become a beacon of hope for rural and urban youth alike. As the crowd erupted in cheers, it was clear: this was more than a sporting event. It was a movement, a testament to India’s burgeoning sports culture, and a promise of a brighter, healthier future.

Launched in 2018 by Union Minister Anurag Thakur and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh was envisioned as a platform to unearth raw talent from India’s hinterlands. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call of “Kheloge Toh Khiloge” (Play and Prosper), the initiative seeks to foster discipline, teamwork, and a passion for sports among the youth. In Lucknow, this vision came alive, as over 25,000 participants from across the city and beyond converged for a four-day extravaganza, transforming the capital of Uttar Pradesh into a pulsating hub of athletic fervor.

The event was a kaleidoscope of sports and culture. From the high-octane clashes of kabaddi and volleyball to the graceful precision of athletics and taekwondo, the Mahakumbh showcased a diverse array of disciplines. Junior and senior categories ensured inclusivity, with students from classes 9 to 12 competing alongside college and university athletes. The opening ceremony was a spectacle in itself, featuring mesmerizing demonstrations of indigenous sports like Kalaripayattu, yoga, and Mallakhamba. These performances, rooted in India’s rich heritage, captivated the audience and underscored the event’s commitment to promoting traditional disciplines alongside modern ones.

Rajnath Singh, addressing the sea of enthusiastic participants, spoke passionately about the transformative power of sports. “Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, a new sports culture is taking root in India,” he said. “Events like the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh are nurturing talent from small towns and villages, giving our youth the chance to shine on national and international stages.” He highlighted the government’s ambitious plans, including preparations to host the 2036 Olympics in Gujarat, and emphasized that the seeds sown in Lucknow could yield medals in the years to come.

The Mahakumbh’s impact extends far beyond the scoreboard. For many participants, it’s a lifeline—a chance to escape the lure of distractions like drugs and channel their energy into something meaningful. Take Riya, a 16-year-old kabaddi player from a rural pocket of Lucknow. “I never thought I’d get a chance to play on such a big stage,” she said, her eyes gleaming with pride. “This event has given me confidence and a dream to pursue sports seriously.” Riya’s story echoes the experiences of thousands, as the Mahakumbh identifies and nurtures talent through structured pathways, offering training and exposure to promising athletes.

The event’s scale is staggering. From an initial pool of 10,000 registrants, 2,500 sportspersons were selected through rigorous zonal competitions across Lucknow’s nine municipal zones. Winners stand to claim a share of the ₹8 lakh prize pool, alongside certificates and T-shirts that serve as badges of honor. The Mahakumbh also honored 10 senior athletes, five coaches, and five sports management professionals from the Lucknow division who have represented India at Olympic and international levels, reinforcing the event’s commitment to celebrating excellence at every level.

Community engagement is at the heart of the Mahakumbh’s success. Organized by the state government in collaboration with local schools, colleges, and the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, the event was meticulously planned. District Magistrate G Vishak ensured smooth execution, with eight additional district magistrates appointed as nodal officers to oversee operations. The involvement of local BJP leaders, including unit chief Anand Dwivedi, added a layer of grassroots fervor, with volunteers and officials working tirelessly to make the event a resounding success.

As the sun set on the final day, the stadium was alive with the sounds of victory chants and heartfelt farewells. The Sansad Khel Mahakumbh had not only showcased athletic prowess but also woven a tapestry of unity, ambition, and hope. For Lucknow, it was a moment of pride—a city stepping boldly into the national spotlight as a cradle of sporting talent. For the youth, it was a clarion call to dream big, play hard, and carry forward the legacy of a nation on the cusp of becoming a global sports powerhouse.

The echoes of the Mahakumbh will linger long after the stadium empties. As Rajnath Singh aptly noted, “The results of this event will be visible when our young players from Lucknow win medals at the national and international levels.” With initiatives like the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh, India is not just playing to win—it’s playing to transform lives, one game at a time