Telangana CM and Sports Minister unveil Khelo India Youth Games logo, mascot
The eighth edition of the games is scheduled to take place in Telangana from December 11 to 22.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the logo and mascot for the eighth Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) in New Delhi on Sunday, according to The New Indian Express. The Chief Minister also invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to attend the event, which will be held in Telangana from December 11 to 22.
The games will host approximately 8,000 participants across six cities, including Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. The competition will include 27 competitive sports, with softball making its first appearance as a competitive discipline. Sailing and Karra Samu will be featured as demonstration events.
The mascot, named ‘Neelamani’, is designed to represent courage, agility, cultural pride and youthful energy. The logo incorporates various Telangana landmarks and cultural symbols, such as the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, the Tangedu flower, the Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar and the proposed Gandhi Tower at Bapu Ghat.
Chief Minister Reddy stated that hosting the games is a proud moment for the state and expressed an ambition to eventually host the Olympic Games. He noted that such events support the Prime Minister’s vision of Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat by encouraging youth to avoid substance abuse.
Minister Mandaviya said the Union Government is committed to promoting sports through various initiatives, including the Beach Games, Winter Games and Tribal Games. He added that the central government will work with the Telangana government to foster a strong sporting culture.