There were about 18 lakh athletes who participated during the Khel Mahakumbh in 2011, a programme initiated by the state government to encourage participation in sports by students and youngsters alike.
The nearly one-month long Mahakumbh includes various games from kabbadi and kho-kho to hockey and football and they would be held at various places in the state. It would conclude on February 13.
Speaking at the inauguration, Modi said that the state government was working towards creating sports schools in every district.
It was because of the state assembly elections that the Khel Mahakumbh for the year 2012 was being held now, he said, adding that this year there would be two Khel Mahakumbhs - one of 2012 (being held now) and the other of 2013, which will take place towards the end of the year.
"We have seen during Khel Mahakumbh that our players have broken own records and I am sure due to initiatives such as Khel Mahakumbh, increased professionalism and healthy competition, a day is not far when Gujarat's sportspersons will break national records," the Chief Minister said.