Telangana sports minister Vakiti Srihari said the government was drawing up comprehensive arrangements for the Khelo India Games, scheduled to be held in the state from December 11 to 22.
The minister reviewed preparations at the Secretariat recently, focusing on athlete selection, stadium readiness, training and logistical arrangements. He directed all departments concerned to coordinate closely and complete preparations well in advance to ensure a smooth experience for athletes, coaches and delegates from across the country.
Khelo Telangana initiative launched to promote fitness and sports culture across Telangana
Emphasising grassroots talent development, Srihari said the government aims to identify promising athletes from rural areas and prepare them to excel at the national level. Selection across 27 sports disciplines will follow a phased process based on 1:4, 1:2 and 1:1 ratios, with opportunities awarded transparently on merit.
He stressed that the initiative must go beyond hosting the Khelo India Games, with a long-term focus on developing medal-winning athletes from Telangana.
Srihari calls for quality coaching, nutritious food
The minister also directed officials to ensure that sporting venues, infrastructure and equipment are ready on schedule. He also called for quality coaching, nutritious food, medical assistance, accommodation and transportation for athletes.
Srihari said the Khelo India Games should set a national benchmark for organisation and facilities while strengthening Telangana’s sporting ecosystem and inspiring greater participation in sports among the state’s youth.
Those present at the review meeting included AP Jithender Reddy, sports advisor to the Telangana government; K Shivasena Reddy, chairman of the Sports Authority of Telangana; Dr A Sonibala Devi, vice-chairperson and managing director of the Sports Authority of Telangana; Mallareddy, secretary of the Telangana Olympic Association; Praveen Kumar Mallareddy; deputy directors Ravinder, Raviteja, Ashok and Srinivas; Engineer P Srinivas; and PRO Suresh Kaleru, among others.
