The Mahotsav is being organised by the newly-constituted Vadodara District Olympic Association (VDOA) to revive and promote the old tradition of mega ‘sports cluster’ that was held under the name of Hind Vijay Gymkhana by erstwhile rulers of the city, the Gaekwads.

Around 1,500 athletes will slug it out playing eight different games — basketball, bodybuilding, table tennis, hockey, kho-kho, kabbadi, volleyball and athletics — in first edition of the Mahotsav.

VDOA President Jitendra Patel, said, “In recent years, Vadodara has witnessed a decline in producing professional sporting talents except in cricket.”

“Around three months ago, a meeting of all sports associations was held. There, it was decided to constitute VDOA with the main objective to develop and nurture sport talents. Also, every year, it will host sport events like the Maharaja used to do in the past,” he said.

VDOA secretary Laxman Karanjgaokar said, “Gaekwad had introduced Hind Vijay Gymkhana somewhere in 1910 and a multi-sports meet was held. Sportsmen from all across India, even from Pakistan and Bangladesh were invited. They used to compete in wrestling, kho-kho, kabbadi, hockey and other format of games.”