New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- Delhi will host the 70th National School Games 2026-27 across three phases, bringing together more than 14,000 players and officials from across the country to compete in 14 sports disciplines. Education and Sports Minister Ashish Sood inaugurated the event at Thyagaraj Stadium on Friday, highlighting the government's focus on strengthening sports infrastructure and creating opportunities for young athletes.
The first phase of the Games will run from October 22 to 28, the second from October 30 to November 5, and the third from January 28 to February 3, 2027. Organised under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India, the event is being hosted by the Directorate of Education's Sports Branch.
Addressing participants, Sood said, "The National School Games are not merely a competition but a vital means of strengthening the country's future sports ecosystem." He added that the government aims to encourage young athletes and help them achieve success at national and international levels.
Highlighting changes in the perception of sports as a career, the minister said athletes earlier faced the notion that "If you play sports, you will spoil your future; if you study, you will become successful." He said improved training, facilities and financial incentives were opening up better career opportunities in sports.
Sood also highlighted the government's sports policy, under which Olympic gold, silver and bronze medallists are eligible for prize money of Rs.7 crore, Rs.5 crore and Rs.3 crore, respectively. A new sports complex is being developed in Pitampura at an estimated cost of Rs.100 crore, while sports grants for Delhi colleges have been increased from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh.
He said arrangements for playing facilities, medical assistance, accommodation, food and transportation had been made for participating teams. The government had also organised Khelo Mahakumbh last year, attracting registrations from more than 16,000 athletes across 17 stadiums and sports complexes.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.