The Central Government has approved ₹22 crore for the 8th Khelo India Youth Games, set to take place across multiple cities in Telangana this December. Over 6,000 athletes are expected to compete.

  • ₹22 crore sanctioned for the 8th Khelo India Youth Games.
  • Event to be held in Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Mahabubnagar this December.
  • Over 6,000 athletes will compete in 25 sporting disciplines.
  • Telangana has received ₹30 crore worth of sports infrastructure under Khelo India.

In a major boost to grassroots sports, the Central Government has sanctioned ₹22 crore for the upcoming 8th Khelo India Youth Games. The event is scheduled to be held in December this year in coordination with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. Union Minister of Coal & Mines, G. Kishan Reddy, announced that the games will be hosted across Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Mahabubnagar in Telangana.

The scale of the event is massive, with more than 6,000 athletes from across India expected to participate. These young talents will compete in 25 different sporting disciplines, providing a high-octane platform for discovering the next generation of Indian sporting icons.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the systematic allocation of funds towards regional hubs like Telangana is crucial for decentralizing sports excellence in India. By investing in multiple cities rather than just one, the government is ensuring a wider reach and impact.

To support this momentum, sports infrastructure worth nearly ₹30 crore has already been developed in Telangana under the Khelo India scheme. This includes ₹11.5 crore dedicated to Osmania University for advanced facilities like synthetic athletics tracks, synthetic tennis courts, and a specialized swimming pool for women. An additional ₹18.5 crore has been utilized to upgrade infrastructure in various other towns throughout the state.

The massive leap in the national sports budget reflects India's growing commitment to becoming a global sporting powerhouse.

The Minister also highlighted a significant shift in national sports funding. The national sports budget has seen a dramatic increase from ₹1,219 crore before 2014 to ₹3,794 crore in 2025-26. Furthermore, the number of completed sports infrastructure projects has surged from just 38 projects (worth ₹191 crore) before 2014 to 350 projects (worth ₹3,181 crore) over the last 12 years.

Historical Background

The Khelo India initiative was launched to revive the sports culture in India at the grassroots level. By providing financial support, world-class infrastructure, and competitive platforms, the scheme aims to identify and nurture talent from rural and urban areas alike, ensuring a steady pipeline for international competitions.

Did You Know?: There are currently 33 Khelo India centres established across Telangana to nurture young talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Which cities in Telangana will host the 8th Khelo India Youth Games?
Answer: The games will be held in Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, and Mahabubnagar.

Question 2: How many athletes are expected to participate in the games?
Answer: More than 6,000 athletes from across the country are expected to compete.