Khelo India Youth Games 2026: Telangana CM Orders Robust Arrangements

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to make comprehensive arrangements for the 8th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2026, scheduled to take place across the state from December 11 to 22. During a high-level review meeting at the MCR HRD Bodhi Pavilion, the Chief Minister stressed the need to develop sports infrastructure on a permanent basis and ensure international-standard facilities at all competition venues. He said the event should help identify young sporting talent and prepare athletes to compete at the international level. He also called for immediate steps to include Telangana’s traditional sport, Karrasamu, in the games under the host state’s quota. Group-1 officers will be assigned special responsibilities to monitor arrangements, while officials have been asked to submit weekly progress reports. Accommodation and other facilities for athletes must be ensured without inconvenience.

The games will feature 27 sports disciplines and one demonstration event across 20 venues in six cities, including Hyderabad. Thousands of young athletes from across the country, along with around 2,000 coaches and officials, are expected to participate. The Chief Minister asked departments to coordinate closely and make use of resources created for the Invest Telangana Global Summit wherever possible. He also advised officials to avoid unnecessary extravagance during the opening and closing ceremonies in view of the El Niño conditions. The state government aims to strengthen Telangana’s position as a sports hub through its sports policy and the Young India Physical Education and Sports University. Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Vakiti Srihari, Sports Authority Chairman Shiv Sena Reddy, senior officials and other representatives attended the review meeting.