Telangana is making preparations for the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2026, which will take place from December 11 to 22. The event will bring together more than 7,500 young athletes, over 1,500 support staff and around 1,000 technical officials from across India. More than 200 VIPs are also expected to attend the Games.
The competitions will take place across six cities in Telangana, including Hyderabad, Warangal, Hanamkonda, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Mahabubnagar. The Games will feature 27 sports, giving young athletes an opportunity to compete at a major national level.
Telangana will also introduce Rowing as the host state’s choice sport, while Sailing will feature as the demonstration sport. Athletics will take place in Hanamkonda, Judo in Karimnagar, Archery in Khammam, Kabaddi in Mahabubnagar and Table Tennis in Nizamabad. The remaining events will mainly take place in Hyderabad.
Several major sports venues in Hyderabad will host the competitions. These include Gachibowli Stadium, LB Stadium, indoor stadiums in Saroornagar, JNTUH, Secunderabad and the Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Stadium in Yousufguda.
The water sports facility at Hussain Sagar is expected to become a major attraction during the Games. Rowing, Kayaking and Canoeing competitions will take place at the venue.
The Telangana government has also started work to upgrade sports facilities ahead of the event. Officials have identified 12 development and improvement works across 10 venues in Hyderabad and three district host cities. The works include improvements to athlete changing rooms, spectator areas, washrooms, swimming pools, cycling tracks and shooting ranges.
For the overall management of the Games, five state-level committees have been formed. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy will chair the Organizing Committee, while Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will serve as Co-Chairperson. Another committee will handle accommodation, food and transport for athletes and guests.
The opening ceremony is likely to take place at Gachibowli Stadium on December 11. The closing ceremony could be held at the Tennis Complex at LB Stadium on December 22.
Telangana has also been working to strengthen its sports ecosystem. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy unveiled the Telangana Sports Policy 2025 with a focus on creating an Olympic medal-winning system and developing the state as a major sports hub.
The Khelo India Youth Games are aimed at promoting sports at the grassroots level. Each athlete contributes to the overall medal tally of their state. The state that wins the highest number of gold medals is declared the champion. Maharashtra won the title in both the 2024 and 2025 editions.
The 2026 edition will feature athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, fencing, football, hockey, judo, Kho Kho, kabaddi, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, volleyball, weightlifting and wrestling. Traditional sports such as Gatka, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, Thang Ta and Yogasana will also be included.
The Telangana government is also using the Games to strengthen youth participation in sports through modern infrastructure and new sports initiatives. The Young India Physical Education & Sports University is part of the state’s wider plan to develop sports and fitness opportunities for young people.
The state has been seeking the opportunity to host major national and international events. Revanth Reddy has also raised the KIYG hosting plans during his visits to Delhi and discussions with the central government. According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the Khelo India Youth Games 2026 in December as the Chief Guest.