Telangana to Host Khelo India Games on Grand Scale: Minister Srihari

Telangana is preparing to host the Khelo India Youth Games 2026 on a grand scale, with the state government seeking to use the national sporting event to showcase its infrastructure while creating greater opportunities for young athletes, particularly those from rural areas.

Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari said the government would ensure that the 12-day event is conducted to the highest standards. He made the remarks after a Telangana delegation met Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in New Delhi on Thursday. State Sports Affairs Adviser AP Jitender Reddy and Sports Authority of Telangana chairman Shiva Sena Reddy were also part of the delegation.

Srihari thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mandaviya for awarding Telangana the hosting rights for the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games. He also handed over an invitation to Mandaviya on behalf of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

The minister said the Games are scheduled to be held for 12 days from December 11 to 22. The state is working on a comprehensive plan covering competition management, venues and other arrangements, with the objective of ensuring a seamless event without shortcomings that could invite criticism.

Preparations have already moved beyond the planning stage. A Sports Authority of India (SAI) delegation recently inspected major venues in Hyderabad, including the GMC Balayogi Sports Complex, LB Stadium, the cycling velodrome, shooting range and Hussain Sagar Water Sports Training Centre. The team found the infrastructure broadly satisfactory but recommended some repair and maintenance work.

SAI officials have also assessed facilities in Medchal-Malkajgiri, Karimnagar and Hanumakonda, examining training infrastructure, accommodation and other amenities required for athletes, officials and visitors.

Srihari said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would seek an appointment with Prime Minister Modi to personally invite him to the Games. He also highlighted the state's new sports policy and its broader efforts to strengthen the sporting ecosystem.

The minister said particular attention would be given to identifying rural sporting talent and providing promising athletes with the support needed to develop their abilities. This focus aligns with the wider Khelo India programme, which aims to revive India's sporting culture at the grassroots level through talent identification, training, infrastructure development and opportunities for young athletes.

With more than 8,000 athletes, officials and support staff expected to participate, the Games will provide Telangana with an opportunity to demonstrate its organisational capabilities and sports infrastructure.

The state government is also positioning the event as part of a broader sporting push. Telangana has announced plans to host other major competitions and is developing the Gachibowli Sports District and a Young India Physical Education and Sports University.