Telangana has decided to set up a Sports University to make the state a sports hub of the country.
The Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the university will be named “Young India Sports University,” aligning with the “Young India” brand that the state aims to establish. The integrated schools being set up across the state will also carry the “Young India” name.
He expressed his wish for Telangana to become a brand synonymous with “Young India” and directed officials to make all necessary arrangements to position Telangana as a leading state in sports excellence.
Chief Minister during a meeting with senior officials at the Secretariat on Monday discussed the establishment of the Young India Sports University in Fourth City.
He emphasized that the university should prioritize every sport and serve as a comprehensive hub for all types of sports and sports training institutions, an official statement said.
Chief Minister instructed officials to identify sports that are suitable for the geographical conditions of Telangana and the physical capabilities of its people.
He stressed the importance of identifying and encouraging individuals with a passion for sports. The Chief Minister also expressed his ambition for Hyderabad, which has previously hosted the Afro-Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, to eventually host the Olympics.
He made it clear that not only should the Olympics be held in Hyderabad, but athletes trained at the Young India Sports University should also be equipped to win medals in every sport. To achieve this, expert trainers will be brought in to provide world-class training.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to integrate all sports departments of universities, government-run sports schools, academies, and sports training institutes under the Sports University.
Reddy suggested that priority be given to sports like shooting, wrestling, boxing, archery, javelin throw, and hockey—disciplines in which India has traditionally excelled at the Olympics. Training in other sports where there is potential for medal success should follow. The university’s facilities and nutrition programs will be upgraded to meet international standards.
The Chief Minister proposed that teachers identify students’ sports talents at an early age and determine which sports they are passionate about. He suggested establishing a sports school in each Lok Sabha constituency to train these students. In these schools, while education will continue, sports will be given greater priority, with students receiving specialized training in their chosen sports. Talented students will be selected for further training at the Sports University.
The Chief Minister also directed the authorities to make Hyderabad’s Sports University the focal point of India’s sports sector.
He urged officials to study the details of athletes who won medals in the recent Olympics, including their training regimes, the support provided by their countries, and the methods used to encourage them. This information will be used to prepare a comprehensive report.
