New Delhi, February 16 – The Election Commission of India (ECI) kicked off its Annual Sports Week 2026 celebrations at the Commonwealth Games Sports (CWG) complex in New Delhi on Monday, with the theme "Harmony on the field, Strength in Democracy".
Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar addressed the participants and inaugurated the event, while the values that define sports are those that the ECI upholds.
"In his address, the CEC said that the values that define sports, including transparency, integrity, and impartiality, also define the election processes that the ECI upholds. He encouraged all participants to wholeheartedly take part in the sporting events during the week-long celebrations," the election body said in a statement.
Following his address, CEC Gyanesh Kumar inaugurated the 100-meter women's race under the theme "Run For Democracy". The theme of this year's Annual Sports Week celebrations is "Harmony on the field, Strength in Democracy".
The Annual Sports Week, which is being organized by the Recreation Club of ECI, will feature the participation of 383 participants, including 72 women.
The events will be held across 43 categories of 7 sports, namely, Chess, Carrom, Table Tennis, Badminton, Cricket, Football, and Athletics Track events (100, 200, 400, and 800 meters for men and women in different age categories).
The event mainly aims to reduce the mental stress and workload of the Election Commission employees and improve teamwork through sports.
Earlier on Sunday, the ECI congratulated the Indian cricket team on its victory against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match in Sri Lanka, while appealing to people to fill out Form 6 to make their "votes count".
In a post on X, the election body said, "Victory in Colombo! IND vs PAK Congratulations, Team India, on this spectacular win against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2026. Just like every run counts in a high-pressure match, every vote counts in a democracy. Make your innings matter. Fill out FORM 6 & register yourself as a voter TODAY!!"
