In a powerful nod of approval to Telangana’s growing sports ambitions, cricket legend Kapil Dev has stepped forward to endorse the state’s forward-looking vision. During a high-level meeting with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in Delhi, the World Cup-winning captain commended the state government’s proposed initiatives—especially the ambitious Young India Sports University. His support not only boosts morale but places Telangana in the national spotlight as an emerging hub for sports excellence.
Telangana youth empowerment through sports
The Young India Sports University is a flagship initiative of the Telangana government aimed at nurturing homegrown sports talent, creating world-class infrastructure, and integrating sports with education and career development. During the meeting, Kapil Dev was briefed about the university’s blueprint, including:
- International-standard sports training facilities
- Academic programs in sports sciences and physical education
- Scholarships for underprivileged but talented athletes
- Collaboration with global sports bodies and trainers
Kapil Dev, who has long advocated for grassroots development and professionalism in Indian sports, reportedly expressed strong interest in contributing to the university’s governance, mentorship, and advisory processes.
Partnership Potential : Kapil Dev sports mentorship
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy extended an invitation to Kapil Dev to formally associate with the government’s broader “Young India” initiative, which seeks to integrate sports with youth empowerment. The CM is keen on building not just infrastructure but a sports culture across Telangana, from villages to cities.
If this collaboration takes formal shape, Kapil Dev could play a role as:
- Mentor or Brand Ambassador for the university
- Advisor on curriculum development for sports sciences
- Liaison with central and international sports federations
- Inspiration and motivator for young athletes in the state
Met legend of Indian cricket and the Captain who won 1983 World Cup Shri Kapil Dev Ji who was delighted when I discussed #YoungIndiaSportsUniversity being established in #Hyderabad
— Revanth Reddy (@revanth_anumula) July 7, 2025
He was keen to not only in becoming a part of our mission to set up #YISU but also to help us… pic.twitter.com/853GqhkeaU
Why Telangana’s Sports Push Matters
Telangana, particularly Hyderabad, already boasts a history of producing elite athletes—from Sania Mirza and Saina Nehwal to PV Sindhu and Mohammed Siraj. However, the state aims to go beyond individual brilliance by systematizing talent identification and training at the grassroots. With increased budget allocations for sports in 2024–25 and newly announced rural sports leagues, the government is positioning sports as a viable career path, not just an extracurricular activity.
Kapil Dev Revanth Reddy meeting
While the exact transcript of the meeting hasn’t been made public, media sources reported that Kapil Dev was “deeply impressed by Telangana’s commitment to long-term sports development” and called it a “model other states could emulate.”
He also shared anecdotes from his early cricketing days and emphasized the need to build confidence, discipline, and resilience in young athletes—qualities that have as much value off the field as on it.
Telangana emerging as sports hub
With this strong show of support from one of India’s most respected sporting icons, the Telangana government is likely to fast-track the establishment of the Young India Sports University. The first phase, which includes land acquisition and design planning, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The government is also working on policy measures to attract private investment and CSR partnerships in the sports sector.
Kapil Dev’s endorsement marks a turning point in Telangana’s sporting journey. With bold leadership from CM Revanth Reddy and the backing of iconic figures like Kapil, Telangana is poised to become not just a sports-ready state, but a sports-powered future for India’s youth