By Alok Mohit
Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the official logo of Khelo India Youth Games, Bihar 2025 here on Monday. The mascot of the upcoming games, Gajsingh (elephant-lion combination), was unveiled by Union minister of labour and employment and youth affairs and sports Mansukh Mandaviya.
The unveiling of event’s logo and its mascot was done through remote control at a function held at ‘Samvad’ in the chief minister’s secretariat.
The two leaders also launched the official sports anthem and flagged off the Khelo India Youth Games torch relay vehicle. The torch will pass through 38 districts of Bihar between April 15 and May 2.
PM to Open Games on May 4 in Patna
In his address on the occasion, Kumar said it was a matter of great happiness that Khelo India Youth Games, 2025 was being organised in Bihar. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate games in Patna on May 4. “We welcome all the athletes on the land of Bihar. This event is an important step towards promoting sports culture and encouraging young talents in Bihar. Through this event, the infrastructure of sports in the state will be further strengthened and the youth will get an opportunity to showcase their talent at the national level,” he said.
Bihar is hosting the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. The event will be held from May 4 to May 15 in five districts of Bihar— Patna, Nalanda (Rajgir), Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai. About 8,500 athletes from across the country will compete in 28 sporting disciplines. Approximately 1,500 technical staff will also participate in the event.
The ‘logo’ of Khelo India Youth Games is a symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage and sporting spirit. Its orange and green colours show the combination of enthusiasm and nature.
‘Gajsingh’, the mascot of the upcoming games, symbolises the historical, cultural and sporting spirit of the state. Inspired by the rich archaeological heritage of Bihar, the mascot is taken from the statues of Gajsingh, carved on the temples and pillars of Nalanda and Bodh Gaya during the Pala period. Gajsingh is not just a symbol, but a living embodiment of the spirit of a strong, courageous and intelligent player. This mascot aims to strengthen the sporting culture of the state and inspire young players of the country to be organised, disciplined and develop sportsmanship. The emblem of Mahabodhi Temple and Nalanda University in the design reflect respect for historical and intellectual heritage. Peepal tree, sparrow and Gangetic dolphin give the message of nature and their conservation. Madhubani painting and Chhath Puja reflect the vibrant cultural identity. Valmiki Tiger Reserve is an example of biodiversity. Ashok Chakra and Lion are symbols of justice, power and historical glory. This design, adorned with the map of Bihar, is a powerful symbol of the development of the state’s diverse identity, cultural heritage and sports culture.
‘Khel ke Rang! Bihar Ke Sang!’ is not just a slogan, but a message of Bihar’s sports renaissance, showing the resolve to bring the state on the global sports map.
Earlier, Kumar welcomed Mandaviya by presenting him a bouquet.
Additional chief secretary of sports department B Rajender welcomed the chief minister and the Union minister with commemorative symbols. A short film related to the event was also screened on the occasion.
Deputy chief ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, rural works minister Ashok Choudhary, sports minister Surendra Mehta, principal secretary to the chief minister Deepak Kumar, chief secretary. Amrit Lal Meena, development commissioner Pratyaya Amrit, director general of police Vinay Kumar, director general of Bihar State Sports Authority Raveendran Sankaran and other dignitaries were present at the event.
- The author Alok Mohit is former senior News Editor of Hindustan Times Patna and Hindustan Times, Chandigarh editions.
