Telangana unveils logo and mascot for Khelo India Youth Games
Around 8,000 participants are expected to compete in the 8th edition of the games across six cities from December 11 to 22.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled the logo and mascot for the 8th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) on Sunday, according to The Economic Times.
The games are scheduled to take place in Telangana from December 11 to 22. Approximately 8,000 athletes and participants are expected to attend the event, which will be hosted across six cities: Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar, and Nizamabad.
The event will feature 29 disciplines, including 27 competitive sports and two demonstration events. Softball will be included as a competitive discipline for the first time, while sailing and Karra Samu will debut as demonstration sports.
Mandaviya stated that the Union Government is committed to promoting sports through various competitions under the Khelo India initiative to increase youth participation. He added that the central government and the Telangana government will work together to build a strong sporting culture.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said the games help support the Prime Minister's vision of a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat by motivating youth to avoid social issues and substance abuse.
The mascot, named Neelamani, is intended to represent energy, agility, and determination. The logo incorporates elements such as the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and the Tangedu flower to reflect the cultural identity of Telangana.