New Delhi buzzed with excitement on Monday as the Election Commission of India (ECI) launched its annual Sports Week 2026 at the Commonwealth Games Sports Complex. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar flagged off the event, setting the tone for a week filled with athletic fervor and democratic spirit.
Kumar emphasized the shared values of transparency, integrity, and fairness that define both sports and India’s electoral process. ‘Just as the playing field demands respect for rules and fair play, democracy thrives on free and impartial elections,’ he told the gathering. He urged participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship while staying fit and healthy.
The inaugural event under the ‘Run for Democracy’ theme featured a thrilling 100-meter women’s race, flagged off by the CEC himself. This year’s overarching theme, ‘Harmony on the Field, Strength in Democracy,’ underscores the link between teamwork and democratic empowerment.
Organized by the ECI Recreation Club, the week-long extravaganza draws 383 participants, including 72 women, competing across 43 categories in seven sports: chess, carrom, table tennis, badminton, cricket, football, and athletics track events. Athletics highlights include 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m races in separate men’s and women’s age groups.
The initiative aims to foster camaraderie, team spirit, and healthy competition among ECI staff. As matches unfold over the next seven days, expect an atmosphere charged with energy, unity, and a renewed commitment to the principles that power both sports and democracy.