HYDERABAD: The state government on Saturday signed an MoU with former Indian cricketer and TENVIC founder Anil Kumble to establish a structured framework integrating academics, sports science, and sports talent identification.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari, SATG Chairman Shivasena Reddy, Special Chief Secretary for Tourism, Culture & Sports Jayesh Ranjan, SATG Vice Chairperson and MD Sonibala Devi, and other senior officials.
Srihari said the collaboration will help identify and nurture sporting talent while ensuring students balance academics with sports and sports science. “This is a step towards making Telangana a hub for future Olympic champions,” he said.
Talent alone is not enough, says Kumble
The initiative will scout talent from 238 social welfare schools, impacting 1.5 lakh students in the first phase across five Olympic sports - wrestling, kabaddi, volleyball, athletics, and weightlifting. Selected athletes will train at three Centres of Excellence in the state alongside academic development. Physical Education teachers will also be trained in modern methods and sports science techniques.
Kumble said, “Talent alone is not enough, creating opportunities is more important. Through this initiative, we aim to provide a platform for young athletes in Telangana, upskill coaches, and create a focal point that will make Telangana one of the leading states promoting sports in India.”
In the second phase, five more Olympic sports will be added. Phase 1 will begin immediately.
Other MoUs signed during the conclave include agreements for FIFA Talent Academies for Boys and Girls in Hyderabad, the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) supported by the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and the IOC, and a partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust to introduce Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect in schools. Another MoU was signed with the Gun for Glory Shooting Academy.
Athletes rewarded
Agasara Nandini (Athletics): Rs 5 lakh for gold in Heptathlon at the 26th Asian Athletics Championship 2025 in Gumi, South Korea
Nishika Agarwal (Gymnastics): `3 lakh for bronze in Table Vault at the 14th International Gympies-Gymnova Cup 2024 in Belgium
Dhanush Srikanth (Shooting): `10 lakh for two gold medals in the 10m Air Rifle Men and Mixed Team events at the World Deaf Shooting Championship 2024 in Germany
Pavan Kalyan & P Sai Teja (Goalball): `4.8 lakh assistance to represent India at the 4th Egyptian Pyramids Goalball Championship. Their coach G Shiva Kumar will accompany them