Revanth Reddy seeks permanent Khelo India sports infrastructure in Telangana

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to create world-class, permanent sports infrastructure for the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, to be held in Telangana from December 11 to 22. At a review meeting on Monday, he said the games should be used to provide international-standard facilities and coaching, with the long-term goal of producing Olympic medal winners. More than 7,000 athletes and around 2,000 coaches and officials are expected to participate in 27 disciplines and one demonstration event across 20 venues in six cities, including Hyderabad.

Reddy also asked officials to coordinate preparations with the Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled for December 7 to 9, and to include the traditional Telangana sport of Karrasamu (stick fighting) under the host state quota. Referring to infrastructure created during the previous BRS government that had deteriorated, he called for stringent measures to prevent a recurrence. In view of El Nino conditions, he directed that opening and closing ceremonies be kept simple and unnecessary expenditure avoided. Officials were instructed to submit weekly progress reports.