Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy unveiled the logo and mascot for the 8th edition of Khelo India Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Telangana from December 11 to 22, 2026. The games will be hosted across six cities: Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad, with approximately 8,000 athletes and participants expected to participate.
The event will feature 29 disciplines comprising 27 competitive sports and two demonstration events. Competitive disciplines 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 debut as a competitive discipline for the first time, while Sailing and Karra Samu will feature as demonstration sports making their debut.
Dr. Mandaviya stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized connecting youth with sports and integrating sports into the country's development vision. The Union Government is organizing various competitions including Khelo India Youth Games, Beach Games, Winter Games and Tribal Games under the Khelo India initiative to encourage youth participation. Chief Minister Reddy noted that such events advance the Prime Minister's vision of Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat by encouraging youth to stay away from substance abuse.
The logo incorporates eight elements representing Telangana's cultural heritage and sporting aspirations: the Khelo India emblem (saffron and green running figure), Gandhi Tower (symbolizing peace and unity), Kakatiya Kala Thoranam (heritage and welcome), Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar (harmony and discipline), Tangedu flower (cultural identity), seven sporting silhouettes, and an encircling blue, green and yellow ribbon (movement and inclusion). The tagline "Khel Ka Junoon, Telangana Ki Jaan Aur Pehchaan" captures sports passion as integral to Telangana's identity.
The mascot "Neelamani" represents energy, agility and determination, embodying youth spirit and sportsmanship while reflecting cultural roots and vision of a stronger India. Its design features a crest symbolizing energy and movement, eyes representing focus and intelligence, a beak signifying determination and leadership, and blue/turquoise feathers conveying vibrancy and confidence. Neelamani embodies four qualities: Vibrant, Courageous, Agile and Pride.
The launch event was attended by Telangana Sports Minister Vakiti Srihari, Irrigation Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, Sports Advisor A.P. Jithender Reddy, Chief Secretary Sanjay Jaju, and SAI Director General Hari Ranjan Rao, along with senior officials from Union and Telangana governments.