Hyderabad: The Telangana youth sports initiative conducted under the “Praja Palana – Pragati Pranalika” campaign concluded with a grand closing ceremony at Gachibowli Stadium on Saturday, drawing participation from youth, students, athletes and parents from across the state.
Telangana Sports Authority Chairman Shivasena Reddy attended the event as the chief guest along with Managing Director of the Sports Authority and Commissioner of Youth Services Dr. A. Sonibala Devi.
Addressing the gathering, Shivasena Reddy said the programme aimed to identify hidden sporting talent among Telangana’s youth and provide institutional support, encouragement and opportunities. He described Telangana as a state with immense sporting talent and said the government was committed to promoting deserving youth from every region.
He stated that the Telangana youth sports festival was one of the major programmes under the 99-day “Praja Palana – Pragati Pranalika” initiative launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. He also appreciated officials, sports departments and district administrations for coordinating the week-long programme successfully.
Telangana youth sports festival boosts employment and talent
During the closing ceremony, officials distributed appointment letters to candidates selected through recent job melas conducted in Hyderabad and district headquarters. Winners of competitions organised during the Sports Day celebrations on May 21 received medals and trophies.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to participants who excelled in sports, youth engagement, cultural programmes and awareness activities held during the six-day festival. Representatives of companies that participated in the job melas and supported youth employment initiatives were felicitated at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sonibala Devi said job melas conducted between May 1 and 12 across district centres received registrations from nearly 40,000 unemployed youth. She said more than 300 private companies participated in the recruitment drives and shortlisted around 11,200 candidates.
Dr. Sonibala Devi added that each day of the festival, held from May 18 to 23, focused on themes related to sports, youth empowerment, employment opportunities, skill development and community participation.