Khelo India Youth Games 2026: Telangana Named Host State By Mansukh Mandaviya

Telangana to host next Khelo India Youth Games

New Delhi, July 8: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on Wednesday announced that Telangana will host the next Khelo India Youth Games. The eighth edition of KIYG is expected in November this year, making Telangana the second southern Indian state in three years to stage the event.

Tamil Nadu hosted the 2024 edition, while Bihar hosted the seventh edition in May 2025. In a post on X, Dr. Mandaviya said Telangana has the infrastructure and enthusiasm to host the Games, where at least 8000 athletes, officials and support staff are expected to take part.

Mandaviya cites national spread and athlete preparation

"In keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to spread major national events in all regions of the country, it is appropriate that Telangana should get the opportunity to host the prestigious Khelo India Youth Games. The state has the infrastructure and the enthusiasm to host these Games where at least 8000 athletes, officials and support staff are expected to participate," said Dr Mandaviya.

"We should see some quality performances this year. The Khelo India Youth Games 2026 are coming at the back of the Asian Games in Japan and our athletes should be in peak form. The Games in Telangana will be a good time to celebrate as upcoming athletes will be able to see their heroes up and close," said Dr Mandaviya.

Results and records from recent editions

Maharashtra, Haryana and Rajasthan finished No. 1, 2 and 3 in Khelo India Youth Games in 2025. Hosts Bihar finished 15th, while Telangana were 13th on the medal standings. In KIYG 2024, hosts Tamil Nadu finished No. 2 behind Maharashtra, and Telangana were in 6th position.

The Bihar edition had 28 sports. Medals were awarded in 27 sports, while e-sports were introduced as a demonstration event. Twenty-six records were set in KIYG 2025, including 13 national youth records, all in weightlifting, and the rest meet records in athletics.