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Patna : Bihar took a major step towards hosting its first Khelo India Youth Games as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the official logo at a ceremony held at ‘Samvad’ in the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. Joining virtually, Union Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, launched the event’s official mascot, Gajsingh.
The event also saw the launch of a specially composed sports anthem and the flagging off of the Gaurav Yatra Rath — a ceremonial torch relay set to traverse all 38 districts of the state from April 15 to May 2.
Speaking at the launch,CM Nitish Kumar said, “It is a matter of great pride that Bihar is hosting the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time. We welcome athletes from across the country to our state. This event will not only promote sports culture but also provide a platform for young talent and strengthen our infrastructure.”
The games, dubbed a Khel Maha Kumbh, will take place from May 4-15 across five districts — Patna, Rajgir (Nalanda), Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai. The event is expected to host over 8,500 athletes and 1,500 technical staff, competing in 28 disciplines.
The logo unveiled represents Bihar’s cultural vibrancy and athletic spirit, featuring motifs such as the Mahabodhi Temple and Nalanda University, as well as natural and cultural elements like the peepal tree, Gangetic dolphin, Madhubani art, and the Chhath festival. The design also incorporates the Ashoka Chakra and the state map, with the slogan ‘Colours of sports! With Bihar!’ encapsulating the state’s sporting aspirations.
The mascot, Gajsingh — a fusion of elephant and lion inspired by Pala-period carvings from Nalanda and Bodh Gaya — embodies strength, intelligence and courage. Described as a symbol of both Bihar’s heritage and its sporting future, Gajsingh aims to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Union Minister Mandaviya, in his address, expressed confidence that the games would elevate Bihar’s presence on the national sporting map.
The launch was attended by a host of senior state officials and dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary, Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, and Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena. A short film introducing the event was also screened during the ceremony.
