Nitin Gadkari and Suniel Shetty inaugurate Khasdar Krida Mahotsav 2026 in Nagpur

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty inaugurated the Khasdar (Sansad) Krida Mahotsav, a multi-sport event, on Sunday in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The event is scheduled to run from May 31 to June 7.

Actor Suniel Shetty highlighted the importance of promoting sports to keep children focused and away from negative influences. He told reporters, “This is the cure for it. Sports, health, and wellness. If we educate them, it will make a big difference. Today, in a city like Nagpur, you’ll see hundreds of thousands of kids involved in sports. When children focus on sports, they don’t have time for anything else. In my life too, if anything positive has happened, and even at this age, people talk about my fitness and health, it’s purely because of my love for sports. To steer our children away from negative influences, it’s crucial to encourage their involvement in sports.”

Shetty described the event as “incredible” and “truly remarkable,” adding, “That’s why it’s important for people like us to attend such events year after year, to spread the message that there’s no better way to maintain health than through sport.”

Regarding the upcoming Khelo India programme, he said, “It’s essential. Many places are organising marathons and other events, but what happens here in Nagpur is quite unique because people are involved in over 50 to 60 different sports. Seeing it happen on this scale is truly beautiful.”

Separately, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting to review Meghalaya’s preparations for hosting the 39th National Games in 2027. Mandaviya emphasised that, in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Games should not only be a premier sporting event but also showcase the rich cultural heritage, diversity, and unique identity of Meghalaya and the North-East to India and the world, according to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

Mandaviya highlighted the need to ensure world-class sporting infrastructure, seamless organisation, and extensive public participation to make the Games a landmark event for Indian sport. He stated, “Sustainability and diversity are our message for the 39th National Games in Meghalaya in 2027.”