New Delhi: More than 14,000 players and officials are expected to participate in the 70th National School Games, which Delhi will host in three phases across 14 sports disciplines, education and sports minister Ashish Sood said Friday.Sood inaugurated the games at Thyagaraj Stadium. Organised under the aegis of School Games Federation of India, the event will bring together participants from states, Union territories and other participating units across the country. The first phase runs from Oct 23 to 28, followed by the second from Oct 30 to Nov 5, and the third from Jan 28 to Feb 3, 2027.“National-level school competitions play an important role in strengthening the country’s sports ecosystem and giving young athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent,” Sood said. “Delhi govt is working to promote sports and encourage young players to pursue careers in the field.”Sood said initiatives such as Khelo India and Fit India had helped bring sports and fitness into the mainstream. Improved training, modern facilities and financial incentives have also expanded opportunities for athletes to build careers in sports, he added.“We have made arrangements for sports facilities, equipment, security and medical assistance. Accommodation, meals and local transport have also been arranged for visiting teams,” the minister said.On financial support, Sood said Delhi govt was strengthening incentives under its sports policy. Olympic gold medallists will receive Rs 7 crore, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded Rs 5 crore and Rs 3 crore, respectively.He also referred to Delhi Khel Mahakumbh organised by govt last year, when competitions were held over a month at 17 stadiums and sports complexes. More than 16,000 athletes registered for the event, which aimed to widen participation and provide opportunities to emerging talent.A new sports complex is also being developed in Pitampura at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore, he said.