Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao announced that the Hyderabad Toofans hockey team will represent Telangana’s culture and tourism in the Hockey India League 2025-26. The team is officially sponsored by Telangana Tourism, offering a national stage to highlight the State’s heritage and identity. The Minister said professional sports teams help promote regions by boosting hospitality and transport, while increasing visibility. He emphasized Telangana’s sports roadmap through the Telangana Sports Policy aims to create a strong, sustainable sports ecosystem. “The government is working towards establishing a dedicated Sports University to ensure that athletes from the State were well prepared for major international competitions, including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games,” Mr. Rao added. Addressing players and staff, the Minister urged them to act as role models for youth. He said athletes should inspire young people to avoid drugs, online gaming, and betting. Instead, they should promote discipline, focus, and healthy lifestyles through sport. Telangana Tourism Development Corporation chairman Patel Ramesh Reddy highlighted hockey's strong place in India's sports culture. He expressed confidence that Hyderabad Toofans will bring greater national recognition to Telangana.