Telangana unveils Khelo India Youth Games 2026 logo and mascots; over 7,000 athletes to compete in 27 disciplines

The 12-day sporting extravaganza is expected to bring together more than 7,000 young athletes from across India, competing in 27 sporting disciplines. Hyderabad and several district headquarters in Telangana will host the competitions, marking a significant milestone in the state's efforts to emerge as a major national sporting destination.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in New Delhi, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said Telangana was fully prepared to host the prestigious event, with stadiums and other sporting infrastructure ready in Hyderabad and various district headquarters.

Highlighting his government's commitment to sports development, the Chief Minister said the state's sports budget had increased substantially over the past three years, from ₹113 crore to ₹465 crore, representing more than a fourfold increase.

He informed the Union Sports Minister that the government had completed the construction of 61 mini stadiums across Telangana, while work on another 15 facilities was progressing. The initiative is aimed at strengthening grassroots sporting infrastructure and providing young athletes with better training and competition opportunities, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

The Chief Minister emphasised that investments in sporting infrastructure were part of Telangana's broader strategy to encourage youth participation, identify emerging talent and create opportunities for athletes to compete at national and international levels.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by Telangana Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Government Advisor for Sports A. P. Jitender Reddy, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju and senior officials.

The Khelo India Youth Games, a flagship initiative of the Union government, provide a national platform for emerging sporting talent and encourage competitive sports among young athletes.

Hosting the eighth edition is expected to enhance Telangana's sporting profile while creating opportunities for the state to showcase its infrastructure, organisational capabilities and commitment to developing the next generation of Indian sporting talent.