PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Khel Mahakumbh rebranded as the Mukhyamantri Championship Trophy 2025-2026 officially kicked off on Tuesday at the Yogasthal Sports Complex in Haridwar. Sports minister Rekha Arya inaugurated the event by raising the trophy and lighting the torch.
Arya stated that this year’s Khel Mahakumbh is being conducted in a new format as the Mukhyamantri Championship Trophy for the 2025-2026 season. The competition will unfold in four stages- Nyay Panchayat, Vidhan Sabha constituency, Parliamentary constituency and at the State level.
“This time, a total of 26 sports competitions have been organised, featuring both traditional and modern sports,” she stated.
Arya said that the team that secures the Sansad (MP) Trophy will receive a cash award of Rs two lakh, while the team winning the Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Trophy will be awarded Rs one lakh. She further said that the State government had implemented policy changes aimed at benefiting the players, which improved the sporting environment in the State and fostered the development of a sports culture. According to her, the champions of this championship will also qualify for a four per cent reservation in government employment.
Arya encouraged young individuals to view sports not merely as a hobby but as a potential career. With full discipline and dedication, she believed nothing could hinder their path to becoming champions.
Notably, an additional incentive of Rs one lakh has been announced for athletes who set new national records during this competition. The overall champion will be determined by calculating the total points earned from the medals acquired throughout the competition. The selected winner will be awarded the Mukhyamantri Trophy, along with a cash prize of Rs five lakh.
