On 1 November 2026, Khel Mahakumbh 2026 and the Mukhyamantri Championship Trophy concluded at the Mini Stadium, Nanoorkheda, Dehradun. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the closing ceremony on Sunday. Dehradun district won the CM Championship Trophy along with ₹5 lakh in prize money. Also, the CM launched the meroyuva.in portal at the event. Therefore, the event ended with record participation.
Dehradun Lifts the Championship Trophy
Dhami presented the trophy and the ₹5 lakh cheque to the winning Dehradun district team. Meanwhile, performers staged mallakhamb and artistic yoga displays during the ceremony. Also, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal attended the event.
Record Participation at Every Level
This year, more than 3.35 lakh players took part, compared with about 2.20 lakh last year. The journey began on 1 September 2026 at Tanakpur in Champawat district. Then, contests moved from Nyaya Panchayat to Assembly, parliamentary constituency and state levels. Altogether, the state held 32 competitions across 662 Nyaya Panchayats and all 70 Assembly constituencies.
Prize Money and the 4% Quota
Moreover, about ₹11.30 crore in cash prizes is reaching players’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Also, the state has decided to give 4% horizontal reservation in direct recruitment to eligible state-level medal winners. Notably, the 2025 amendment to the state’s sportspersons’ reservation law already lists Khel Mahakumbh medals.
What the Chief Minister Said
Dhami said Uttarakhand is building an identity as a “Khel Bhoomi” (land of sports) alongside Devbhoomi. He added that sport is not only about medals but also about discipline and teamwork. Also, he told players who missed medals that winning and losing are part of the game. Likewise, Sports Minister Rekha Arya mentioned plans for a state sports university.
About Khel Mahakumbh
Uttarakhand launched Khel Mahakumbh in 2017 to find rural sporting talent. Today, the Youth Welfare Department runs it alongside the CM Championship Trophy. Besides, the Uttarakhand Public Service (Horizontal Reservation for Skilled Sportspersons) Act, 2024, provides the 4% sports quota.
Khel Mahakumbh 2026: Key Facts for Revision
- Closing date: 1 November 2026, Nanoorkheda, Dehradun
- Trophy winner: Dehradun district (₹5 lakh)
- Participants: Over 3.35 lakh (about 2.20 lakh last year)
- Scale: 32 competitions, 662 Nyaya Panchayats, 70 Assembly seats
- Prize money: About ₹11.30 crore via DBT
- Portal launched: meroyuva.in
Why Khel Mahakumbh 2026 Matters for UKPSC
Notably, the event links village talent with state-level careers. So, remember the Dehradun win, the 3.35 lakh players and the 4% sports quota. Also, link this with the Khelo India push at the national level. For official updates, also visit DIPR Uttarakhand. Next, for a related story, read about the Khelo India scheme revamp. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.