Akshay Kumar Graces Grand Finale of First MP Sports Festival in Pune as Event Registers Record Participation
Pune, November 28, 2025: The first edition of the MP Sports Festival concluded on an energetic note at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, with actor Akshay Kumar joining as the chief guest. The festival, conceived by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote fitness and sports culture, drew more than 44,000 participants this year.
Akshay Kumar opened the closing ceremony by cycling from the main entrance to the stage along with the organisers. He was later felicitated with an image of Bharat Mata.
In his address, he told the audience that good health is the foundation of success and urged parents to continue supporting their children in sports. “My father always told me to wake up early, sleep on time, and take care of my health. I still follow that. Kids can grow only when parents support them,” he said. He added that the festival should aim for one lakh participants next year.
सुपरस्टार अक्षयकुमारसमवेत सायकल चालवत खासदार क्रीडा महोत्सवाच्या सांगता समारंभाचा प्रारंभ केला !@akshaykumar pic.twitter.com/BIZRwhFPZ1
— Murlidhar Mohol (@mohol_murlidhar) November 27, 2025
Over 4,000 winners across various categories were honoured during the ceremony. The event saw a strong turnout from sportspersons, public representatives and dignitaries. Those present included Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakantdada Patil, RSS Prant Karyawah Dr. Pravin Dabadghav, shooter and Khel Ratna awardee Anjali Bhagwat, BJP leader Dheeraj Ghate, MP Medhatai Kulkarni, MLAs Bhimrao Tapkir, Sunil Kamble, Siddharth Shirole and Hemant Rasane, Rajesh Pande, Sachin Bhosale, chief coordinator Manoj Erande, Olympians Rekha Bhide and Manoj Pingale, Tenzing Norgay award-winning mountaineer Umesh Zirpe, former kabaddi players Shantaram Jadhav and Shakuntala Khatavkar, Dhyanchand awardee Nitin Kirtane, former cricketer Kedar Jadhav, Surekha Dravid, Shrirang Inamdar and other senior athletes and officials.
MP Murlidhar Mohol said the festival was organised across 29 venues with competitions in 37 sports categories. He added that Pune has a rich sporting legacy and the aim of the festival is to nurture it further. “From these competitions will emerge the next Anjali Bhagwat and Shantaram Jadhav. Some of today’s players will lead the city, then the state and eventually the nation,” he said.
Mohol thanked all the organisations, players and volunteers who worked to make the event a success, adding that a strong India needs a strong foundation of fitness and sports.
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