'Kheleo' unveiled as official mascot of FIFA U-17 World Cup

New Delhi: The AIFF on Friday unveiled the official mascot of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, 'Kheleo' at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here.

In a glittering ceremony attended by Sports Minister Vijay Goel, the chairman of the Local Organising Committee and AIFF president Praful Patel, the young and charismatic face of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, a clouded leopard called Kheleo, was introduced to hundreds of football fans.

The clouded leopard is an endangered wild cat whose habitat extends from the Himalayan foothills to mainland Southeast Asia.

To commemorate Kheleo's first public appearance, Sports Minister 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 representation of our country. He will help us to involve kids with football in a fun way."

Patel termed the official mascot as a major component of the overall event brand that will represent the tournament and the host country.

"Presenting Kheleo as the official mascot to the world is another big step for our event. As the face of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017, he will be going across the country to promote the tournament and to inspire kids and adults alike," the All India Football Federation president said.

Kheleo will participate in numerous activities in the run-up to the first-ever FIFA tournament to be hosted by India, which will be played from October 6 to 28 this year.