Hyderabad
Telangana’s ambition to position itself as a global sports hub received a major boost at the Telangana Rising Global Summit, where the State attracted events across multiple international sporting disciplines.
A landmark decision at the summit was the formation of the Telangana FIFA–AIFF Football Academy (Men’s) under the FIFA Talent Development Scheme. The academy aims to enhance the competitiveness and technical expertise of India’s national football teams.
The initiative will support advanced training camps, knowledge-exchange programmes, and long-term strategic planning to identify and nurture emerging football talent. Officials noted that the academy is poised to make Telangana an epicentre for global football events, drawing top-tier players and coaches to the State.
Telangana will host the International Hockey Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2026, featuring eight nations competing in 24 international matches at the Gachibowli Stadium. The tournament is expected to significantly elevate Telangana’s reputation in international hockey and further position the State as a hub for global hockey championships.
Another major sporting event headed to the State is the Asia Rowing Championship 2026, with participation from 18 countries. The competition will adhere to world-class standards of safety, sportsmanship and athletic excellence, offering Indian athletes exposure to elite competition.
Hyderabad will also host the Hyderabad International Chess Festival 2026, billed as the world’s largest and most inclusive celebration of chess. The festival will bring together world-class players, renowned coaches, leading commentators, global corporates and chess enthusiasts under one roof.
Minister for Sports and Youth Services Vakiti Srihari said that the State’s primary objective is to secure the State’s representation in international competitions, particularly the 2036 Olympics.
Initiating a panel discussion on “Telangana Olympic Gold Quest” at the Telangana Rising Global Summit on Tuesday, he said Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had initiated the Young India Physical Education and Sports University and the Young India Sports Authority.
“We are making collaborations with global institutions such as Loughborough University and Korea National Sport University,” he said. The government also plans to set up a 1,000-acre satellite sports city to position Hyderabad as a potential host for Olympic and major international sporting events.
Published – December 09, 2025 09:56 pm IST
