Hyderabad: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the 8th Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled to be held across the state from December 11 to 22.
Reviewing preparations at the MCR HRD Bhoomi Pavilion, the chief minister said the event should be used to identify young sporting talent and provide athletes with international-standard infrastructure and training.
He directed officials to develop high-quality sports facilities at 20 venues across six cities, including Hyderabad, and ensure that athletes face no inconvenience in accommodation and other arrangements.
Revanth Reddy called for Group-I officers to be assigned specific responsibilities for monitoring the preparations and asked officials to submit weekly progress reports. He also suggested including Telangana’s traditional sport, Karra Samu, in the host state’s event quota.
Around 2,000 coaches and officials, along with thousands of young athletes from across the country, are expected to participate. The Games will feature 27 sports disciplines and one demonstration event.
The chief minister said the state aimed to use the event to strengthen its sports ecosystem and prepare young athletes for international competitions, including the Olympics. He also advised officials to avoid unnecessary expenditure on the opening and closing ceremonies in view of El Niño conditions.
