Chandigarh, Aug. 1 -- Haryana's minister of state for sports, Gaurav Gautam, on Thursday said that "Sports Mahakumbh 2025" will begin in two phases starting August 2, with 15,410 athletes from across the state participating in 26 different disciplines.

Chief minister Nayab Singh Saini will inaugurate this state--level event at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula on August 2. The first phase will run till August 4.

The sports minister said that according to Haryana's sports policy, the medal winners of the sports mahakumbh will receive sports gradation certificates, which help in availing 3% reservation in government jobs for sportspersons.

Gautam said that due to the state's excellent sports policy and consistent medal wins at national and...