Sri Vijaya Puram, November 7: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has invited applications from athletes under 18 seeking to represent the Union Territory at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2026 through the Wild Card entry process, with applicants required to submit their sporting achievements by November 10. The selection process will consider performances in recognised competitions over the previous three years, offering young athletes across 15 disciplines an opportunity to be considered for the national-level event.
The Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs has opened the application process for eligible boys and girls who meet the prescribed age and representation criteria. The Games are scheduled to take place in Telangana from December 11 to 22, 2026.
The 15 disciplines covered under the application process are archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling, gymnastics, judo, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tennis, Thang-Ta, weightlifting, wrestling and Yogasana.
According to the communication received from the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, athlete selection to represent a State or Union Territory will be based on performances in recognised international, national, state and district-level competitions held during 2023, 2024 and 2025.
The Directorate will shortlist the two best-performing boys and two best-performing girls from the applications received and forward their names to the Wild Card Evaluation Committee (WCEC) for KIYG 2026. The committee will assess the recommended candidates, following which the athletes selected for nomination will be put forward to represent the Union Territory. Their names will subsequently be communicated through print and electronic media.
Under the prescribed eligibility rules, applicants must have been born on or after January 1, 2009. For age verification, candidates must submit any two of the following documents: Aadhaar card or passport, matriculation certificate, and birth certificate issued by a Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat. The birth certificate must have been issued at least five years before January 1, 2026, specifically on or before January 1, 2021.
Applicants must also establish their eligibility to represent the Union Territory by providing at least one of these documents: a domicile certificate, passport, or a bonafide certificate confirming their place of posting, employment or schooling.
Eligible athletes must submit duly completed applications in the prescribed Annexure-A format to the Assistant Supervisor (Sports) of their respective zones by November 10. Applicants must sign the forms and attach self-attested copies of certificates documenting their achievements in recognised international, national, state, Union Territory or district-level competitions during 2023–2025, along with the required eligibility documents.
The application form and detailed list of events are available on the Sports Department portal, https://sports.andamannicobar.gov.in, and the Andaman and Nicobar Administration portal, https://andamannicobar.gov.in.
