Hyderabad to Host Khelo India Games in 2026
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has agreed to the request made by Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to host the Khelo India Games in Hyderabad. While the Chief Minister initially sought to host the games next year, the Union Minister clarified that the 2025 games are already scheduled to take place in Bihar. However, he assured that Hyderabad would host the prestigious games in 2026.
The request to host the games was officially submitted by the State government’s special representative, AP Jitender Reddy, on Thursday. In a letter to the Union Minister, CM Revanth Reddy highlighted Hyderabad’s history of hosting major national and international sports events, such as the 32nd National Games in 2002, the Afro-Asian Games, and the 7th World Military Games.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the current Telangana government has been prioritizing the sports sector far more than in the previous decade. He noted that Hyderabad is well-equipped with world-class sports facilities. The Gachibowli sports complexes feature an international-standard indoor stadium, a swimming pool, a synthetic athletic track, and a hockey turf. Additionally, venues like the Saroornagar indoor stadium, LB Stadium, and Hussain Sagar provide facilities for various sports, including tennis, football, cycling, and water sports.
CM Revanth Reddy also pointed out that Telangana’s infrastructure supports large-scale events. The city offers excellent connectivity through trains and air travel, as well as numerous star hotels and accommodation options for athletes and officials. He highlighted the State’s significant increase in the sports budget, which has risen tenfold compared to the previous year, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting sports.
The letter further stated that the Telangana government is not only focused on improving sports infrastructure but is also drafting policies to encourage youth participation in sports. The Chief Minister is personally leading efforts in this area. Jitender Reddy added that since Telangana’s formation as a State, it has gained recognition for its achievements in various fields, including sports. He expressed confidence in the State’s ability to successfully host the Khelo India Games and nurture future athletes.
