Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on November 15 unveiled the official logo and mascot for the 8th edition of the Khelo India Youth Games 2026.
The Games will be held across six cities in Telangana from December 11 to 22. Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad will host the sporting event.
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Logo and mascot for the 8th Khelo India Youth Games unveiled on November 15, 2026.
Launched by Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
Games scheduled from December 11 to 22, 2026.
Six host cities: Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahabubnagar and Nizamabad.
Around 8,000 athletes and participants expected.
A total of 29 disciplines, including 27 competitive sports and two demonstration events.
According to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, around 8,000 athletes and participants are expected to take part in the competition. The eighth edition will feature 29 disciplines, comprising 27 competitive sports and two demonstration events.
The mascot, named Neelamani, represents energy, agility and determination, reflecting the spirit of young athletes and sportsmanship. The logo combines elements of Telangana's cultural heritage with its sporting aspirations.
Addressing the launch event, Dr. Mandaviya said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasised connecting young people with sports and making sports an integral part of India's development vision. He highlighted various competitions organised under the Khelo India initiative to encourage greater participation in sports.
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Why This Matters
The Khelo India Youth Games provide young athletes with a national platform to demonstrate their sporting abilities. Hosting the 2026 edition across six Telangana cities is also expected to strengthen the state's role in promoting sports and developing sporting opportunities for young people.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy said sporting events such as the Khelo India Youth Games could contribute to the vision of a drug-free youth for a developed India by encouraging young people to stay away from substance abuse and other social challenges.
Softball will make its debut as a competitive discipline at the Games, while Sailing and Karra Samu will be introduced as demonstration sports for the first time.
