Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Wednesday that Telangana will host the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in 2026. The event is scheduled to take place in November, with over 8,000 athletes, officials, and support staff expected to participate.
Telangana Selected as Host for Eighth KIYG Edition
Telangana becomes the second southern Indian state in three years to host the KIYG, following Tamil Nadu which hosted the 2024 edition. The most recent edition was held in Bihar in May 2025. According to a press release, Mandaviya stated that the selection aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to spread major national events across all regions of the country.
“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 Mandaviya.
Performance and Expectations for 2026 Games
Mandaviya expressed optimism about the quality of performances, noting that the 2026 KIYG comes after the Asian Games in Japan. “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,” he added.
In the 2025 edition hosted by Bihar, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Rajasthan finished first, second, and third respectively. Hosts Bihar placed 15th, while Telangana finished 13th in the medal standings. In the 2024 edition hosted by Tamil Nadu, hosts finished second behind Maharashtra, with Telangana in sixth position.
Sports and Records in Previous Editions
The Bihar edition featured 28 sports, with medals awarded in 27 and e-sports introduced as a demonstration event. A total of 26 records were set during KIYG 2025, including 13 national youth records, all in weightlifting, and the remaining meet records in athletics.
