On 9th February 2017, the Official Mascot for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 was unveiled at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in a ceremony attended by Shri Vijay Goel, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (IC) and Mr Praful Patel, President of AIFF and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee.
India has hosted major global sporting events in the past, including the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2011, but for the first time, is hosting a FIFA tournament. A mascot plays a major part in the overall event - not just in the main tournament, but also in the lead-up to it. Subsequently, the Official Mascot will play an imperative role in the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup as a visually strong Official Mascot is a major component of the overall event brand which will represent the tournament and the host country along with the Official Emblem and the Official Look.
The mascot for the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 is a Clouded Leopard and is nicknamed “Kheleo”. Kheleo represents the host country and has a strong appeal to the younger audience. It perfectly embodies the spirit of the tournament.
The Clouded Leopard is a wildcat found from the Himalayan foothills through mainland Southeast Asia. Kheleo has been created to capture the enthusiasm from fans all over the globe. Clouded Leopards are the most talented climbers among the cats, and have uniquely adapted to an arboreal life>
Its total population is suspected to be fewer than 10,000 because of medicinal use and demand for its beautiful pelt. The fact that it is a vulnerable species is important too. The FIFA event allows a platform to communicate the importance of the environment and ecology.
Last, but certainly not the least, Kheleo was born on 24 June 2001 and shares the date of his birthday with Argentina's Lionel Messi.
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