Khelo India 2026 Must Bring National Recognition to Telangana: Minister Vakiti Srihari

Telangana Sports and Youth Services Minister Vakiti Srihari has called upon officials to make the Khelo India Youth Games 2026 a memorable national sporting event, reflecting the country's pride and highlighting Telangana's capabilities as a host state. He said the opportunity to organise the prestigious competition had come to Telangana through the determination and sustained efforts of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

Speaking at a special review meeting with Deputy Collectors from various districts and Sports Department officials at Tourist Plaza in Begumpet, the Minister described the selection of Telangana as a significant achievement. He pointed out that the state had secured the hosting opportunity despite the BJP being in power at the Centre. Recalling his efforts to bring the event to Telangana, Srihari said he had personally met Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Srinagar and requested him to allot the games to the state.

Emphasising the importance of the opportunity, Srihari asked officials to work with complete dedication and ensure that organisational shortcomings did not affect the event. He said the government's reputation would depend on how effectively the competition was conducted. Officials were advised to anticipate possible challenges, establish clear responsibilities and maintain coordination between departments to ensure smooth arrangements.

The Minister stressed that preparations should go beyond temporary arrangements for the competition. Infrastructure developed for the games must remain useful to athletes and sporting institutions even after the event concludes. He asked district officials to identify infrastructure requirements, upgrade existing facilities and plan new developments with a long-term perspective.

Srihari said Deputy Collectors would be given adequate administrative powers to execute their responsibilities. However, he cautioned against unnecessary expenditure and called for cost-effective planning that delivers maximum results with available resources.

Drawing attention to the growing influence of social media and online betting, the Minister said young people must be encouraged to spend more time on physical activities rather than remaining confined to reels and digital platforms. He called for concerted efforts to protect youth from online betting addiction and promote healthier lifestyles through sports.

Citing Manipur's grassroots sporting culture, he urged officials to develop similar sporting opportunities across Telangana's villages. Identifying rural talent and providing aspiring athletes with professional coaching, encouragement and suitable platforms should receive particular attention.