Jaipur, 13 November: A spectacular opening ceremony at the historic Amer Fort in Jaipur officially launched the Khelo India University Games 2025, ushering in a 12-day celebration of student sport across Rajasthan’s vibrant landscape.
The debut of Rajasthan as host state for the fifth edition of the Games underscores the region’s growing commitment to becoming a hub for national-level sports. The ceremony saw the unveiling of the Games’ official logo, dynamic mascots named “Khamma” and “Ghani” inspired by the state’s warm hospitality, and a torch that will travel to venues across multiple cities.
From November 24 to December 5, over 7,000 university-athletes from approximately 200 institutions will compete in 24 sports disciplines in seven cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota, Bikaner, Ajmer and Bharatpur. Notably, new additions such as canoeing & kayaking, cycling and beach volleyball are set to broaden the competitive scope and appeal of the Games.
Leaders at the launch emphasised that the event is more than just a competition, it is a platform for identifying future sporting talent, strengthening India’s varsity sport ecosystem and fostering unity through sport. Embodied in the Games’ motto is the aspiration to promote “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by harnessing the youth of the nation.
As the state gears up to host such a large‐scale multi-city festival for the first time, the organising committee has promised world-class infrastructure and seamless logistics to match the ambition. With student-athletes lining up to begin their campaigns, all eyes will be on Rajasthan as it embraces its role as the stage for this major national university sports festival.