Telangana to Host the Khelo India Youth Games

Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the schedule for the Khelo India Youth Games 2026, which will be hosted by Telangana from December 11 to 22. The 12-day sporting event will feature 27 competitive sports and one demonstration sport. Hyderabad will host 22 medal sports at venues including the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium complex in Basheerbagh and the Gachibowli Sports Complex. The remaining events will be held in Khammam (archery), Hanumakonda (athletics), Karimnagar (judo), Nizamabad (table tennis) and Mahabubnagar (kabaddi). Around 6,000 athletes and 1,800 support staff are expected to take part. Telangana will host the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time.

Softball will make its debut as a competitive sport at the Games, while sailing has been included as a demonstration event for the first time. Dr Mandaviya said the event would provide young athletes with an opportunity to showcase their talent and progress towards sporting excellence. He also highlighted the importance of promoting sports connected with India's natural resources, such as sailing. The 27 competitive sports are archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, gatka, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, kalarippayattu, kho-kho, mallakhamb, rowing, shooting, swimming, softball, table tennis, tennis, thang ta, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and yogasana. The previous edition was held in Bihar in May 2025, where Maharashtra topped the medal tally with 58 gold, 47 silver and 53 bronze medals.