Telangana is set to host the 8th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2026 from December 11 to 22, marking the first time the state will organise this national level sporting event.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced the schedule on November 9. The 12 day event will feature 27 competitive sports and one demonstration sport, bringing together nearly 6,000 athletes and around 1,800 support staff from across the country.
The Games will be conducted across six cities in Telangana, with Hyderabad serving as the main venue.
Hyderabad to Host 22 Medal Sports
Hyderabad will host competitions in 22 medal sports at major sporting facilities, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium complex in Basheerbagh and the Gachibowli Sports Complex.
The remaining competitions will be conducted in five other cities:
- Khammam: Archery
- Hanumakonda: Athletics
- Karimnagar: Judo
- Nizamabad: Table Tennis
- Mahbubnagar: Kabaddi
The multi-city arrangement is expected to bring national-level sporting activities to different parts of Telangana and provide opportunities for local sports infrastructure to gain wider recognition.
27 Competitive Sports Included
The 2026 edition will feature the following 27 competitive disciplines:
- Archery
- Athletics
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Fencing
- Football
- Gatka
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Judo
- Kabaddi
- Kalaripayattu
- Kho-Kho
- Mallakhamb
- Rowing
- Shooting
- Swimming
- Softball
- Table Tennis
- Tennis
- Thang-Ta
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
- Yogasana
Softball will make its debut as a competitive sport in the Khelo India Youth Games. Sailing has also been included for the first time as a demonstration event.
Opportunity for Young Athletes
- According to Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Khelo India initiative provides a platform for talented young athletes to showcase their abilities and progress towards higher levels of competition through various sports development programmes.
- The 2026 edition follows the previous Khelo India Youth Games held in Bihar from May 3 to 15, 2025.
- Maharashtra emerged as the overall champion, securing 58 gold, 47 silver and 53 bronze medals. Haryana finished second with 39 gold medals, while Rajasthan secured third place with 24 gold medals.
- The Bihar edition also witnessed 26 records, including five national youth records in girls weightlifting.
Telangana Prepares for National Sporting Event
- Hosting the Khelo India Youth Games is expected to provide a major opportunity for Telangana to showcase its sporting facilities and organisational capabilities.
- With thousands of athletes and support staff expected to arrive, the event will also bring attention to the state’s sports infrastructure and encourage greater participation in competitive sports among young people.
- The Games will take place from December 11 to 22, 2026, across Hyderabad, Khammam, Hanumakonda, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Mahbubnagar.
Business Galaxy: The event is expected to strengthen Telangana’s position as a major sporting destination while giving emerging athletes an opportunity to demonstrate their talent at the national level.
