Shimla, Oct. 25 -- The Khel Mahakumbh 2026 began at Banuti, near Shimla, on Sunday, with around 10,000 players expected to showcase their talent in various sporting and cultural competitions aimed at promoting sports and discouraging drug abuse among youth in Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who is also the president of the Himachal Pradesh Sports Culture Environment Association, inaugurated the event and administered an oath to participants and others to stay away from drugs.

Addressing the gathering, Singh said the initiative aimed to promote sports, encourage social activities and create awareness among young people about the growing menace of drug abuse. He...