(Reopens BOM18)

Over 25 lakh athletes, including 92,000 differently- abled sportspersons, participated in various events in the nearly month-long 'Khel Mahakumbh', an initiative of the Gujarat Government, which was organised at district level. The concluding ceremony was held in Ahmedabad. Modi congratulated the participants and said 72 new records were set at this year's sporting extravaganza. "The number of records show sports have been accepted in society and they have become a part of our lives." Prizes worth Rs 32 crore were given away during the Khel Mahakumbh, which saw participation from over eight lakh women athletes, he said. Modi felicitated Maya Devipujak, a differently-abled athlete who did Gujarat proud by winning a gold medal at a floor hockey tournament in South Korea recently. Participation by 92,000 differently-abled athletes in the mega event should be acknowledged globally, he said.