Hyderabad, May 23 (RAHNUMA): The Telangana government’s week-long Youth and Sports theme, organised as part of the “Praja Palana – Pragati Pranalika” initiative, concluded on a grand note at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad on Saturday.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth, students, athletes, and parents from across the state.
Shivasena Reddy, Chairman of the Telangana Sports Authority, attended the closing ceremony 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 primary objective of the initiative was to identify hidden sporting talent among Telangana’s youth and provide them with opportunities, encouragement, and institutional support.
He described Telangana as a land of immense talent and said the government was committed to bringing forward deserving youth from every corner of the state. He stated that the Youth Sports Festival was one of the key programmes being implemented under the 99-day “Praja Palana – Pragati Pranalika” campaign initiated under the guidance of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
He appreciated the coordinated efforts of officials, sports departments, and district administrations in making the programme a success.
During the ceremony, appointment letters were distributed to candidates selected through recent Job melas conducted in Hyderabad and various district headquarters. Medals and trophies were presented to winners of competitions held as part of the Sports Day celebrations on May 21. Certificates of appreciation were also awarded to participants who excelled in sports, youth engagement, cultural, and awareness activities conducted over the six-day festival.
Representatives of companies that participated in the Jobmela and supported youth employment initiatives were felicitated on the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Soni Bala Devi said that Job melas were conducted from May 1 to 12 across district centres. Almost 40,000 youth have registered and received an encouraging response from unemployed youth. More than 300 private companies have participated and shortlisted approximately 11,200 deserving youth, she said.
Soni Bala Devi noted that from May 18 to 23, each day of the Youth Sports Festival was dedicated to a specific theme focusing on sports, youth empowerment, skill development, employment opportunities, and community participation.
