India in new era of sports, playing role in empowering society: Rajnath

Lucknow: India has entered a new era of sports that goes beyond building global competitiveness and is playing a key role in empowering society, said defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh during the inauguration of the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh at KD Singh Babu Stadium on Monday.

Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Singh said, “The past decade marked a significant transformation in India’s sporting ecosystem. This phase is not just about turning India into a major sporting power, but also about using sports as a tool for social change and empowerment.”




“Over the last 10 years, a new era of sports has begun in India. This era is not limited to making India a big sporting nation but also represents a new phase of empowering society through sports,” he said.

Emphasising Lucknow’s legacy, Singh noted that the city has long been known for its rich sporting culture. He said the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh was initiated with the objective of further strengthening and expanding that culture at the grassroots level.

“Lucknow has always been known for its strong sporting tradition. This event started to further develop that culture and create more opportunities for young talent,” he said.

The defence minister added that expanding sports infrastructure in the city remains a key priority.

He said efforts are underway to enhance facilities so that athletes from all backgrounds can access modern training environments and pursue excellence.

Singh underlined that such initiatives are crucial in creating a vibrant sports ecosystem where youth participation increases and hidden talent gets a platform. He said the Mahakumbh has already seen participation from thousands of young athletes, reflecting growing enthusiasm for sports.

Reiterating the govt’s commitment, he said the push for better infrastructure and organised competitions is helping bridge gaps that once held back athletes, especially in smaller cities.

He encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity, saying their progress is linked with the nation’s growth. The event, he added, is not just a competition but a step towards building a stronger, more confident and empowered India through sports.
Get real-time updates and result insights on AP Inter 1st, 2nd Year Result 2026 and CBSE 2026 Results.