The Official Mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 was launched today by Union Sports Minister Vijay Goel and All India Football Federation (AIFF) chief Praful Patel at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with 238 days to go to the start of the tournament.
The mascot, a clouded leopard called Kheleo during the launch of Mission XI programme and the event was conceptualised and executed by DDB MudraMax- Experiential. To celebrate Kheleo’s first public appearance, Goel said, “We are sure that he will be one of the most memorable mascots a sporting event in India has ever seen. Kheleo is young, vibrant, enthusiastic and a perfect representative of our country. He will help us to involve kids with football in a fun way.” The clouded leopard is a wild cat whose habitat extends from the Himalayan foothills to mainland Southeast Asia. It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List since 2008.
Patel was quiet when he was asked about the reason behind Nicolai Adam’s removal as the coach of the national under-17 team. The federation had asked the German coach to step down from his position just months before the World Cup. Yet Patel stood rigid saying the federation’s decision to part ways with the German expert was the most agreeable way out under the given conditions. He also stressed on the point that Nicolai Adam’s exit will have no effect on the performance of the team.
“The friction between the coach and players had reached a level where it was difficult to reconcile. It was a hostile atmosphere when we received complaints from the players. We acted swiftly. It was best in the interest of the team.” “Plans are afoot to appoint new coach as early as possible. When the new coach joins the team, to bridge the gap between him and players we will take the services of football icon Bhaichung Bhutia and former players,” Patel said.
Following a high spirited event, the seven foot tall mascot Kheleo appeared through two splitting LED screens on stage. The mascot reached out to young football fans and was cheered enthusiastically by the massive crowd and the media at the unveiling event. Kheleo will participate in various activities in the run-up to the first FIFA tournament to be hosted by India, which will be played from 6 to 28 October 2017.
(With inputs from Hindustan Times and Agencies)