Govt Focused on Creating Olympic Champions From Telangana: Minister Vakiti Srihari

The Telangana government has launched an ambitious push to transform the state into a major sporting powerhouse, with a strong focus on producing athletes capable of winning Olympic gold medals and excelling at international competitions. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen grassroots sports, improve infrastructure and encourage healthy lifestyles among youth.

Launching the statewide Youth and Sports Week celebrations at Hyderabad’s LB Stadium on Monday, Telangana Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari said the state is committed to creating world-class facilities and providing full support to talented athletes and coaches. The programme was organised under the government’s ongoing 99-day Praja Palana Pragathi action plan , which includes sports events, awareness campaigns and fitness activities across Telangana till May 23.

Flagging off a 5-km walkathon , Srihari said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy believes sports can play a key role in steering youth away from drugs and harmful addictions while promoting discipline, fitness and self-confidence.

The minister highlighted the success of the recently conducted CM Cup sports competitions , which witnessed participation from lakhs of youngsters across villages, towns and cities. According to officials, around 3.5 lakh children took part in grassroots-level events, while overall participation in the tournament crossed several lakh competitors across multiple disciplines.

Sports officials said the CM Cup was designed to identify hidden talent from rural and semi-urban regions and provide athletes with opportunities to compete at higher levels. Competitions were organised in disciplines such as athletics, boxing, badminton, wrestling, swimming and archery.

Srihari said the government is now focusing on upgrading sports infrastructure , modernising playgrounds and strengthening training facilities across the state. He also stressed the importance of supporting coaches and building a long-term sports ecosystem capable of producing international-level athletes.

The launch event also featured a vibrant Zumba fitness session , in which ministers, officials and citizens enthusiastically participated to promote active living and public fitness awareness.

Among those present at the event were Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, government advisor A.P. Jitender Reddy, Sports Authority Chairman Shiv Sena Reddy and Sports Authority Managing Director Sony Bala Devi.