New Delhi, November 15 (HS): The logo and mascot for the eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Telangana from December 11 to 22, were unveiled on Sunday. Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy jointly launched the event's official identity.

The Games will be conducted across six cities in the state, with approximately 8,000 athletes and other participants expected to take part.

On the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had placed particular emphasis on engaging young people in sports and giving sports an important role in the broader vision of the country's development. He said the Union Government was committed to promoting sports and that various competitions, including the Khelo India Youth Games, Beach Games, Winter Games and Tribal Games, were being organised under the Khelo India initiative to provide more young people with opportunities to participate in sporting activities.

Mandaviya and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy also expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for his guidance and support in bringing the Khelo India Youth Games to Telangana. The Union Sports Minister said the Central and Telangana governments would work together to encourage young people to take up sports and foster a robust sporting culture across the country.

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said events such as the Khelo India Youth Games would help advance the Prime Minister's vision of a drug-free youth for a developed India. He added that such initiatives encouraged young people to stay away from substance abuse and other social challenges by engaging in constructive and positive activities.

Competitions Across Six Cities, Featuring 29 Sports

The eighth edition of the Khelo India Youth Games will be hosted across Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad. The event will feature 29 disciplines, comprising 27 competitive sports and two demonstration events.

The competitive disciplines will include archery, athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, cycling, fencing, football, Gatka, gymnastics, hockey, judo, kabaddi, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, rowing, shooting, swimming, softball, table tennis, tennis, Thang-Ta, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and Yogasana.

Softball will make its debut as a competitive discipline at the Khelo India Youth Games. Meanwhile, sailing and Karra Samu will be introduced for the first time as demonstration sports.

Logo Reflects Telangana's Cultural Heritage and Sporting Aspirations

The Khelo India Youth Games logo brings together Telangana's rich cultural heritage and its sporting aspirations through eight prominent elements. The Khelo India emblem, featuring a saffron-and-green running figure, represents the national programme, youthful energy and momentum.

The Gandhi Tower, part of the proposed Gandhi Sarovar project at Bapu Ghat, symbolises peace, unity and Hyderabad's vision for the future. The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam reflects the state's rich historical heritage and spirit of hospitality, while the Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar represents harmony, discipline and tranquillity. The Tangedu flower highlights Telangana's cultural identity and the spirit of the Bathukamma festival.

Seven sporting silhouettes, positioned alongside artistic representations of the state's heritage, showcase the diversity of the sporting disciplines. The surrounding blue, green and yellow ribbon conveys movement, energy and inclusivity.

The logo carries the tagline, 'Khel Ka Junoon, Telangana Ki Jaan Aur Pehchaan', underscoring the importance of sports as an integral part of the state's identity.

Mascot 'Neelamani' Embodies Energy, Courage and Confidence

The mascot for the Games has been named 'Neelamani'. It represents energy, agility and determination, while embodying the sporting spirit of young people, pride in their cultural roots and the vision of a stronger, fitter and more united India.

The mascot's crest symbolises energy and the drive to move forward, while its eyes represent focus, intelligence and enthusiasm. Its beak conveys determination and leadership, and its blue and turquoise feathers signify vibrancy, freedom and confidence.

Neelamani embodies four defining qualities — vibrancy, courage, agility and pride — reflecting the values and aspirations of the Khelo India Youth Games.

The event was attended by Telangana Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Vakiti Srihari; Irrigation and Command Area Development Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy; Government Advisor on Sports Affairs and President of the Telangana Olympic Association A.P. Jithender Reddy; and Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju.

Hari Ranjan Rao, Director General of the Sports Authority of India and Secretary of the Department of Sports, along with senior officials from the Union and Telangana governments, was also present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar