Khelo India Youth Games 2026: Telangana to host 11-22 December, logo and mascot 'Neelamani' unveiled
Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled the logo and mascot of the 8th Khelo India Youth Games on 15 November 2026. The Games will be held in six Telangana cities from 11 to 22 December 2026, with about 8,000 athletes and participants expected.
What this means for you
This is mainly news for young sportspersons who follow national events like Khelo India. Ordinary readers have nothing to apply for or pay here. Athletes taking part should get details about their participation from their state sports department or coach.
Key facts
- 8th Khelo India Youth Games from 11 to 22 December 2026 in Telangana
- Host cities: Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahbubnagar and Nizamabad
- About 8,000 athletes and participants expected
- 29 disciplines: 27 competitive sports and 2 demonstration sports
- Softball makes its debut as a competitive sport
- Mascot named 'Neelamani'; tagline: 'Khel ka Junoon, Telangana ki Jaan aur Pehchaan'
What happened
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy unveiled the logo and mascot of the 8th Khelo India Youth Games on 15 November 2026. The event will be held in Telangana from 11 to 22 December 2026.
Where and when the Games will be held
The Games will be spread across six Telangana cities — Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahbubnagar and Nizamabad. According to the notice, about 8,000 athletes and participants are expected to take part.
Which sports are included
This edition will have 29 disciplines in all, made up of 27 competitive sports and two demonstration sports. The competitive sports 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 has been added as a competitive sport in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. Sailing and Karra Samu will make their debut as demonstration sports.
What the logo and mascot show
According to the notice, the logo brings together Telangana’s cultural heritage and sporting aspirations through eight key elements. These include the Khelo India symbol, Gandhi Tower, the Kakatiya art Thoranam, the Buddha statue at Hussain Sagar, the Tangedu flower, seven sports silhouettes and blue, green and yellow ribbons. The tagline is “Khel ka Junoon, Telangana ki Jaan aur Pehchaan”.
The mascot is named “Neelamani” and is described as a symbol of energy, agility and determination.
What this means for ordinary readers
This is mainly information about a sports event. The notice gives no application, registration or last date for the general public. Athletes taking part should get details about their participation from their state sports department or coach.
Questions and answers
When and where are the Khelo India Youth Games 2026?
From 11 to 22 December 2026 in six Telangana cities. These are Hyderabad, Khammam, Karimnagar, Hanumakonda, Mahbubnagar and Nizamabad.
How many sports are in the Khelo India Youth Games 2026?
There will be 29 disciplines in all, including 27 competitive sports and two demonstration sports. The demonstration sports are sailing and Karra Samu.
Which new sport has been added this time?
Softball has been included as a competitive sport in the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. Sailing and Karra Samu will also debut as demonstration sports.
What is the mascot called?
The mascot is named 'Neelamani'. It is described as a symbol of energy, agility and determination.
Do ordinary people need to do anything?
No. The notice gives no application, form or deadline for the public. It is information about a sports event.
Source: PIB, "केंद्रीय खेल मंत्री डॉ. मनसुख मांडविया और तेलंगाना के मुख्यमंत्री ए. रेवंत रेड्डी ने खेलो इंडिया यूथ गेम्स 2026 के 8वें संस्करण के लोगो और शुभंकर का अनावरण किया", 15 November 2026. Read the original notice
This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing. Report an error