Telangana Gears Up for Khelo India 2026; CM Revanth Reddy Calls for World-Class Infrastructure
HYDERABAD – Telangana is set to take center stage in the national sporting calendar as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has officially kickstarted preparations for the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled for 2026. In a high-level review meeting held in Hyderabad on Monday, the Chief Minister emphasized that the event must serve as a catalyst for long-term athletic development rather than just a fleeting tournament.
The State government has positioned these games as a landmark event, timed strategically to follow the high-profile Invest Telangana Global Summit. With over 7,000 young athletes and approximately 2,000 coaches and delegates expected to descend on the State, the administration is under pressure to deliver seamless logistics and elite facilities.
Building a Legacy of Sporting Excellence
Chief Minister Reddy expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state of sports infrastructure inherited from the previous BRS government, noting that several facilities constructed in the past had fallen into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance. He issued strict instructions to ensure that the infrastructure developed for the 2026 Games remains permanent, providing a durable foundation for Telangana’s budding athletes long after the closing ceremony.
“The goal is not just to host a successful event, but to provide world-class coaching and state-of-the-art facilities that will benefit our youth for decades,” the Chief Minister stated.
The games will span 27 distinct sporting disciplines, along with a special demonstration event, spread across 20 venues in six cities. Notably, the Chief Minister has directed officials to include the traditional Telangana martial art form, Karrasamu, as part of the host State’s featured sports category, aiming to bring regional heritage to the national platform.
Focusing on Urban Sanitation and Water Conservation
Beyond sports, the review meeting also touched upon critical urban management issues. The Chief Minister addressed municipal officials with a stern directive regarding the city’s sanitation standards. He insisted that garbage management must be strictly monitored, declaring that waste should not be visible anywhere in the city. He underscored the importance of diligent door-to-door collection, warning that any negligence in maintaining hygiene would not be tolerated.
The meeting also highlighted the urgent need for water conservation in the capital. Expressing concern over the waste of precious resources, Mr. Reddy explicitly prohibited the use of potable drinking water for non-essential activities such as construction, park maintenance, and general landscaping.
To address this, the government is ramping up its use of recycled water. The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board has already deployed 28 “Green Tankers,” which source treated water from the city’s 19 Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs). The Chief Minister urged the rapid expansion of this infrastructure, encouraging residents and developers to shift toward reclaimed water for landscaping and industrial needs to ensure the city’s water security.
As Telangana prepares to host thousands of visitors for the 2026 games, the administration’s dual focus on upgrading the State’s sporting identity and enforcing stricter urban governance reflects its broader vision for a modernized, efficient, and well-managed Telangana.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
