Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 Launched at Amer Fort; Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Applauds Inclusion of New Sports

Jaipur: In a spectacular ceremony held at Jaipur's iconic Amer Fort, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), in collaboration with the Government of Rajasthan and the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), officially unveiled the logo, mascots, torch, jerseys, and anthem for the 5th edition of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) Rajasthan 2025.

The mascots - Khamma and Ghani - were presented by Rajasthan's Hon'ble Sports Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. Inspired by the camel, Rajasthan's state animal, and the traditional greeting "Khamma Ghani", the mascots symbolise the state's warmth, resilience, and hospitality as it welcomes university athletes from across the nation.

KIUG Rajasthan 2025 Launched at Amer Fort — Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Hon'ble Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of Rajasthan, reveals Khamma-Ghani the official mascots of the 5th Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025.

Rajasthan to Host KIUG for the First Time

The Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 will be held from 24 November to 5 December 2025 across seven cities - Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur, and Bikaner. This marks the first time Rajasthan will host the prestigious event, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to showcase India's best university-level talent.

The upcoming edition will witness over 7,000 athletes from nearly 200 universities, competing in 24 disciplines, including 23 medal events and one demonstration sport. New additions this year - canoeing, kayaking, cycling, and beach volleyball - underscore India's expanding sporting landscape and the commitment to widening competitive opportunities.

Union Sports Minister Hails Expansion of Sporting Opportunities

In his message, Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the government's efforts to broaden the sporting ecosystem:

"In keeping with our promise to create more opportunities for athletes from different sports, I am happy to see a bigger and fuller games programme. This year, we introduced two new Khelo India events - the Beach Games in Diu and the Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake in Srinagar.

"The addition of canoeing and kayaking in KIUG is a classic example of continuity and providing more opportunities to those athletes who want to excel in this sport. Beach volleyball is one of the most attractive sports globally, and I am sure fans in Rajasthan will enjoy it immensely."

He further emphasised the importance of university-level athletes:

"Athletes at the University level are probably at the peak of their physical prowess. Worldwide, champions emerge from universities, and we want to empower our institutions to produce athletes who can represent India globally. As we grow as a sporting nation and aspire to host major events like the Olympics, the Khelo India University Games form a critical part of our sporting framework. I wish every athlete to play fair and give their best."

Rajasthan's Heritage Powers the Games' Visual Identity

The newly unveiled visual identity draws deeply from Rajasthan's cultural and architectural legacy:

Hawa Mahal - symbolising elegance and royal heritage
Ranthambore Fort - representing pride, courage, and timeless strength
Windmills - highlighting sustainability and the state's forward-looking vision
Sand dunes - reflecting the desert's beauty and vastness

The visual theme blends these traditional motifs with dynamic sporting silhouettes, infused with vibrant shades of pink to honour Jaipur, the Pink City.

Torch, Jerseys & Anthem Celebrate Rajasthan's Spirit

The KIUG torch draws inspiration from Rajasthan's forts and desert landscapes, embodying the eternal flame of youth, excellence, and unity.
The official jerseys, designed in the Games' signature colour scheme, represent energy, pride, and togetherness.

The newly launched anthem, with the stirring message "Chalo aage badho Rajasthan, jeet lo saara Hindustan," celebrates the host state's ambition to lead the nation forward, while carrying every other state along on the path to excellence.

Rajasthan Prepares for a Landmark Edition

Speaking at the event, Col. Rathore said: "The identity we launch today reflects the heart of Rajasthan - a land of courage, colour and culture. Through these Games, our youth will showcase their strength and skill on a national platform. Every city involved is preparing with enthusiasm, ensuring KIUG Rajasthan 2025 becomes a benchmark in sports organisation and hospitality."

The 12-day multisport event will be broadcast nationwide on Prasar Bharati (Doordarshan), reaching millions of viewers. State and district-level coordination committees have been established to ensure smooth execution, and venues across all host cities are being readied for top-tier competition.

About the Khelo India University Games

The Khelo India University Games, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and SAI, are India's largest university-level multisport event. The Games aim to identify and nurture young talent, providing a platform for competition, recognition, and support to excel at the national and international levels.

The fifth edition, hosted by Rajasthan, continues this mission by enhancing competition standards, expanding participation, and celebrating the unity and diversity of Indian sports.

About Khelo India

The Khelo India Scheme is the flagship sports development programme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. It serves as the foundation for talent identification, athlete development, and multisport competition in India.

So far, 20 editions of Khelo India Games have been conducted, including: