Jaipur, 13 November . Rajasthan Sports Minister Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore unveiled the official logo, mascot, anthem, torch and jersey of the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) during a ceremony held on Wednesday evening at the historic Jaleb Chowk of Amer Fort.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Rathore said that the event marks a launchpad for youth, adding that the year 2025 has brought several significant milestones for India, including the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and 100 years of Indian hockey. He noted that Indian women’s victory in the 2025 Women’s World Cup has further raised the nation’s pride. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating Khelo India to connect the youth and for introducing the University Games, along with promoting fitness through the Fit India programme.
He said that due to the efforts of the Chief Minister, Rajasthan has been given the responsibility to host the Khelo India University Games, for which a grand launch event was organised. More than 4,000 athletes and a total of 8,000 participants from across the country will take part in the games.
Rathore added that many athletes participating in these games will become India’s medal winners in the future. He said that discipline, courage and hard work have brought these players to this stage, and such discipline is valuable not only in sports but in every field. On 12 November 2025, the logo, torch, mascot, jersey and anthem were officially launched. He said Rajasthan is preparing wholeheartedly to welcome athletes, and the mascot “Khamma Ghani” is ready to greet participants from across India.
Rathore further said that hosting KIUG 2025 is a moment of pride for Rajasthan. The event will celebrate the state’s heritage and strengthen its commitment to nurturing young sports talent. Spread across seven cities, the games will welcome athletes from across the nation for a grand sporting festival.
He said the newly launched identity reflects the heart of Rajasthan — a land of courage, colour and culture. Through these games, young athletes will showcase their talent on a national platform. All host cities are enthusiastically preparing to make KIUG Rajasthan 2025 a benchmark in sports organisation and hospitality.
Mascots “Khamma” and “Ghani”
The mascots are inspired by Rajasthan’s state animal, the camel, and the traditional greeting “Khamma Ghani”. They symbolise the state’s warmth, resilience and hospitality, welcoming athletes from all over the country.
All elements of the KIUG identity combine tradition with modernity, representing the youthful energy and progressive spirit of KIUG Rajasthan 2025. The visual design blends Rajasthan’s architectural style with dynamic sports figures, enhanced by vibrant shades of Jaipur’s iconic pink colour.
Senior officials present on the occasion included Dr. Neeraj K. Pawan, Principal Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports Department and Chairman of Rajasthan State Sports Council; Mayank Srivastava, Deputy Director General, Sports Authority of India; Neetu Barupal, Joint Secretary, Youth Affairs and Sports Department; Mamta Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Association of Indian Universities; and Arjuna Awardee Rajat Chauhan.
The Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 will be held from 24 November to 5 December 2025. Events will take place across Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Bikaner. This is the first time Rajasthan is hosting this major event, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports aimed at providing a national platform to top university athletes.
More than 7,000 athletes from nearly 200 universities will compete in 24 sporting disciplines, including 23 medal events and one demonstration sport. Canoeing, kayaking, cycling and beach volleyball have been included for the first time, reflecting the growing diversity and scope of university sports in India.