Khelo India Youth Games 2026: Logo, Mascot unveiled

Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Sunday unveiled the logo and mascot for the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2026, which will be hosted by Telangana from December 11 to 22. Around 8,000 athletes and other participants are expected to take part in the eighth edition of the event, which will be held across six cities: Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad.
Addressing the launch event, Mandaviya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had placed special emphasis on connecting young people with sports and making sports an integral part of the country’s development agenda. He said the Union Government was committed to promoting a strong sporting culture under the Prime Minister’s leadership. The Sports Minister highlighted that several competitions, including the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India Beach Games, Winter Games and Tribal Games, were being organised under the Khelo India initiative to encourage greater participation of young people in sports.
Telangana CM said events such as the Khelo India Youth Games would help advance the Prime Minister’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat. He noted that sporting activities could encourage young people to stay away from substance abuse and other social challenges.
The 2026 edition will feature 29 disciplines, comprising 27 competitive sports and two demonstration events. The competitive sports are 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. Sailing and Karra Samu will be introduced as demonstration sports for the first time.
The mascot, named Neelamani, represents energy, agility and determination, embodying the spirit of youth and sportsmanship. It also reflects pride in cultural roots and the vision of a stronger, fitter and more united India.The Khelo India emblem, featuring a saffron-and-green running figure, represents the national programme, youth and momentum. The Gandhi Tower, part of the proposed Gandhi Sarovar at Bapu Ghat, symbolises peace, unity and Hyderabad’s vision for the future. The Kakatiya Kala Thoranam reflects the state’s rich heritage and spirit of welcome.