Ratnagiri, Maharashtra | June 30, 2025 – In a landmark initiative to promote health, fitness, and gender equality through sports, Shri Narayan Rane – Hon’ble Member of Parliament, former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and former Union Minister, Government of India – successfully organized the Ratnagiri Khel Mahakumbh 2025, an inclusive and large-scale sporting event that united youth, communities, and institutions across Maharashtra in a vibrant celebration of athletic excellence and social empowerment.

Held across multiple venues in the Ratnagiri district, the Khel Mahakumbh drew enthusiastic participation from over thousand athletes, spanning schoolchildren, college students, rural youth, professionals, and emerging sportspersons, with a strong presence of women athletes and participants from underrepresented communities. This monumental event was made possible through the direct sponsorship and institutional support of leading public sector undertakings including NTPC, Power Grid Corporation of India, ONGC, State Bank of India (SBI), Union Bank of India, Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL).

A Vision for a Healthier, Stronger India

Addressing the gathering at the inauguration ceremony, Shri Narayan Rane expressed his commitment to strengthening India’s youth through sports, discipline, and unity:

“The Ratnagiri Khel Mahakumbh is a people’s movement. It goes beyond competition—it is about building a culture of health, teamwork, and gender equality. With the backing of our national institutions and the enthusiastic participation of local communities, we are planting the seeds of a stronger, more inclusive India.”

Promoting Gender Equality & Inclusive Participation

A key focus of the Mahakumbh was to encourage equal participation by girls and women, and to break down long-standing barriers in sports access. Nearly 40% of the athletes were female participants, with several all-women teams competing across disciplines. Special sessions on leadership in sports, nutrition, and mental health were organized to support their journey both on and off the field.

Competitions were structured to ensure fair play and inclusivity, with categories for children, youth, senior citizens, and differently-abled athletes, reflecting the event’s truly grassroots character.

This unprecedented convergence of national institutions reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening India’s youth through sports and leadership development, beyond traditional business roles.

Community Involvement & Local Pride

The atmosphere in Ratnagiri was electric, with local communities turning out in large numbers to cheer on participants. More than 10 educational institutions from across the Konkan region sent delegations, and over 30 community organizations took part in organizing, mentoring, and volunteering activities.

Local entrepreneurs and vendors also benefitted from the economic opportunities created through food stalls, sports merchandise kiosks, and cultural exhibitions set up around the event venues, showcasing Ratnagiri’s unique traditions and boosting regional pride.

Rewards & Recognition

Medals, certificates, and trophies were presented by Shri Narayan Rane and senior representatives of the sponsoring institutions. Top athletes were offered opportunities for advanced training through Maharashtra’s state-level academies, and several promising talents have been recommended for future scholarship and mentorship programs.

Awards were also distributed for best team spirit, most disciplined school delegation, and outstanding female athlete, underscoring the event’s focus on character as much as competition.

Future Roadmap

Inspired by the overwhelming response, Shri Narayan Rane announced that the Ratnagiri Khel Mahakumbh would be developed into an annual flagship event, with plans to expand participation across more districts and integrate digital tools for athlete tracking and training support.

“We are committed to turning this into a sustainable, nationwide movement. With the continued support of our institutional partners, we will keep nurturing the spirit of fitness, unity, and opportunity,” Shri Rane declared.