Revanth Reddy said the government was committed to making Telangana a national sports hub through its sports policy and the proposed Young India Physical Education and Sports University.

Hyderabad:Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to ensure high-quality, lasting sports infrastructure for the 8th Khelo India Youth Games, to be held in Telangana from December 11 to 22, so that the facilities remain useful after the event.

Reviewing preparations here on Monday, the Chief Minister asked officials to organise the Games alongside the Invest Telangana Global Summit, scheduled for December 7 to 9, by using resources being mobilised for the summit. As sports development and investment promotion would also feature at the summit, he called for coordinated efforts by all departments.

Ministers Jupally Krishna Rao and Vakiti Srihari, and Sports Authority of Telangana chairman Shiv Sena Reddy attended the meeting.

Revanth Reddy said the government was committed to making Telangana a national sports hub through its sports policy and the proposed Young India Physical Education and Sports University. The Games should be used to identify sporting talent and groom young athletes for international competitions, with the long-term goal of producing Olympic medal winners, he said.

He directed officials to develop all venues to the highest standards and ensure durable infrastructure. Group-I officers should be assigned to monitor preparations from the initial stage until the Games conclude. Trainee and Group-I officers should also oversee arrangements at venues in different districts. Officials must submit weekly progress reports, he said.

The Chief Minister stressed that athletes should be provided with proper food and accommodation without inconvenience. Referring to the deterioration, within a few years, of sports facilities developed during the previous BRS regime, he called for stringent measures to prevent a recurrence.

In view of El Niño conditions, he also directed officials to avoid unnecessary expenditure on the opening and closing ceremonies.

More than 7,000 athletes and around 2,000 coaches, support staff and officials are expected to arrive from across the country. Competitions in 27 disciplines and one demonstration event will be held at 20 venues in six cities, including Hyderabad. Revanth Reddy asked officials to take immediate steps to include Telangana’s traditional sport, Karra Saamu (stick fighting), under the host state’s quota.

Officials told the meeting that training camps were under way in various districts to prepare Telangana athletes for the competitions. They also briefed the Chief Minister on infrastructure development at the 20 venues.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, Chief Minister’s Adviser K. Ramakrishna Rao, special chief secretary (sports) Vani Prasad, Sports Authority managing director Sonibala Devi and other senior officials attended.

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