70th National School Games Kick Off in Delhi: 14,000 Athletes to Battle for Glory
Delhi Sports Minister Ashish Sood kicks off the 70th National School Games with 14,000 athletes competing across three phases in the capital.
The sporting spirit has taken over the national capital as Delhi’s Education and Sports Minister, Ashish Sood, formally inaugurated the 70th National School Games 2026–27. The grand opening ceremony took place at the Thyagaraj Stadium on Friday, marking the beginning of a massive athletic celebration that brings together the finest young talent from across the country.
The event, hosted by the Directorate of Education (Sports Branch) of the Government of Delhi and held under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), is set to be a monumental gathering. More than 14,000 players and officials from various States and Union Territories have converged in Delhi to compete and showcase their skills.
A Three-Phase Sporting Extravaganza
To manage the scale of the event, the Delhi Government has organized the competitions across 14 different sports disciplines, divided into three strategic phases:
- Phase One: October 22 to October 28, 2026.
- Phase Two: October 30 to November 5, 2026.
- Phase Three: January 28 to February 3, 2027.
Redefining the Future of Indian Sports
Addressing the gathering of senior officials, eminent sportspersons, and young athletes, Minister Ashish Sood emphasized that these games are far more than a simple competition. He described them as a vital tool for strengthening the nation's future sports ecosystem.
Sood highlighted a cultural shift in how India views athletics. He recalled a time when students were warned that sports would "spoil" their future, urging them to focus solely on studies. However, he noted that this narrative has changed. With the influence of initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, sports have evolved from extracurricular activities into viable, prestigious career paths.
"Our endeavour is to infuse new energy into Delhi’s sports culture, encourage young athletes, and enable them to bring glory to the country at national and international levels," Minister Sood stated.
World-Class Infrastructure and Support
The Delhi Government has gone to great lengths to ensure that the athletes have everything they need to perform at their peak. The Minister detailed the extensive arrangements made at various stadiums and sports complexes, including:
- High-quality playing fields and track and field facilities.
- Modern equipment and technical officials to ensure fair play.
- Comprehensive medical assistance and security arrangements.
- Seamless logistics, including accommodation, catering, and local transportation for visiting teams.
Massive Incentives for Excellence
To further motivate the youth, the Delhi Government is backing its sports policy with significant financial rewards. Minister Sood revealed a lucrative prize money structure for those who reach the pinnacle of global sports:
- Olympic Gold Medalists: Rs 7 crore
- Olympic Silver Medalists: Rs 5 crore
- Olympic Bronze Medalists: Rs 3 crore
Additionally, the government has introduced various provisions to reward athletes who excel at the Asian Games and other international competitions, ensuring that talent is recognized and financially supported.
By providing a high-pressure, high-facility environment, the government aims to inspire emerging talents to push their limits, boost their confidence, and ultimately secure more medals for the capital and the country.