The National Indian Games have always been a minor event with the nation’s top sports competition. The Goa 2020 National Games Mascot were the exception.

Perhaps one of the most significant but most undervalued qualities of any legitimate sporting event is its mascot.
The mascot of the Goa 2020 National Games did not only serve to market the tournament, make publicity, and represent the sporting tradition and principle of spirit, but so much more.
In this blog, we will discuss the importance of the Goa 2020 National Games mascot, its development, its importance, and its impact on the event and even outside of the event.
The Significance of Mascots in National Games
Mascots are an emblem of identity for mass sporting events, an expression of the character of the stadium and source of pride among participants and spectators.
A mascot is not merely a promotional tool; it is a psychological connection between spectators and event that makes it more popular and memorable.
For National Games Goa 2020, the mascot was not only a design selection but a conscious move towards representing the spirit of Goa and values fostered in sport.
Unveiling the Goa 2020 National Games Mascot
The official mascot of the Goa 2020 National Games was “Rubigula,” a flame-throated bulbul.
This was a highly symbolic choice considering the fact that the flame-throated bulbul is the state bird of Goa and, as such, an apt representation of the state’s unique biodiversity and heritage.-national game of india
Key Characteristics of Rubigula:
- Vibrant and Colorful: Rubigula’s high-vibrancy and colorful color represented the energy and enthusiasm of sportsmen who took part in the games.
- Symbol of Goa’s Biodiversity: In choosing the flame-throated bulbul, Ruma reflected Goa’s richness in nature and biological diversity.
- Representation of Sportsmanship: Rubigula’s cheerful and strong face symbolized grit, rivalry, and team spirit—features absolutely necessary in sports events.
Rubigula was greeted with overall applause because it effectively portrayed the personality of both Goa and the games.-38th national games

The Role of the Mascot in the Games!
Mascots are not themselves advertisements but also employed to build an integral component of the sporting event as a whole.

The Goa 2020 National Games mascot was multi-purpose and was employed for several purposes, which are explained below:
1. Creating Excitement and Engagement
Rubigula was widely showcased in campaign messages, billboards, and social media handles to create hype for the event.
This allowed mobilizing larger crowds and creating a vibrant experience during the games.
2. Brand Promotion
The mascot was a widely recognizable emblem of the 2020 National Games, allowing for congruence of brands and creating a lasting impression among sports persons as well as the spectators.
3. Creating Regional Culture
By using a bird species found only in Goa, organizers made a nod to the natural heritage of Goa, gave pride of place to natives and informed tourists of the biodiversity richness in Goa.-national game park
4. Inspiring Young Sportspersons
Youths and young athletes were drawn to Rubigula in a special manner, and sports proved to be an interesting activity for youths.
The mascot was welcomed by sport academies and schools as a means of encouraging sportsmanship and cultivating future athletes.
Steps Taken to Design and Market the Mascot
The development and marketing of a winning mascot is a thoughtful process. The steps outlined below were the ones taken for the Goa 2020 National Games mascot:
Research and Concept Development
Selection of a mascot representing the identity of Goa.
Research into local fauna and cultural symbols.
Exploration of different design concepts and ideas.
Mascot Design and Finalization
Initial sketching and model-making.
Taking suggestions from sports administrators, artists, and brand experts.
Smooth out the design for appearance and fame.
Official Launch and Marketing Strategy
Performing an official launch ceremony to introduce the mascot to the general public.
Applying social media, advertisements, and marketing clips.
Including sport celebrities and influencers to make it popular.
Merchandise and Public Interaction
Designing official merchandise pertaining to the mascot such as T-shirts, keychains, and soft toys.
Getting the fans and guests to engage with the mascot during events.
Including interactive activities like contests and activities with the mascot.
Legacy and Post-Event Usage
Creating the mascot a cultural symbol after the event.
Crowning the mascot popularity in marketing school sports programs.
Creating educational materials from the meaning of the mascot in biodiversity conservation.
The Influence of Rubigula on the Goa 2020 National Games
Introduction of Rubigula benefited nearly all aspects of the event:
- Increased Viewers and Spectators: By proper marketing and branding, the mascot increased spectators’ numbers.
- Merchandising: Official merchandise with the mascot, toys, apparel, and souvenirs, were much in demand among collectors and fans.
- Tourism Boom: After Goa was added to the National Games, the mascot contributed significantly towards promoting the state’s rich culture and drawing tourists.
- Sustainability Awareness: Owing to the ecological significance of the flame-throated bulbul, the mascot unintentionally promoted awareness of conserving wildlife and sustainability.
FAQs
Why was the flame-throated bulbul chosen as a mascot for the Goa 2020 National Games?
The flame-throated bulbul was chosen as the state bird of Goa and the state symbol for cultural diversity as well as for biodiversity. It represented the dynamism, energy, and vigor of the games.
In what ways did the mascot advertise the National Games?
Rubigula assisted in creating hype through branding and promotion, interacted with people on social networking websites, and created a robust visual identity for the games. It also contributed towards merchandising and promoting tourism.
Did Rubigula perform any social cause?
Yes, the mascot was also utilized to promote sports among children, physical fitness, and environmental conservation, especially in the context of Goa’s biodiversity.
What merchandise was on offer with Rubigula?
Every type of merchandise like T-shirts, caps, soft toys, keychains, and posters with Rubigula were on offer for sale, and Rubigula had become a big symbol of Goa 2020 National Games.
Was there an official slogan that accompanied the mascot as well?
Although Rubigula itself represented passion and energy, the theme of the Goa 2020 National Games was also further focused towards excellence, sportsmanship, and togetherness, all of which were suitably in line with the symbolism represented by the mascot.
Conclusion
The 2020 Goa National Games Rubigula mascot was not simply an endearing character—its spirit was branding, engagement, and cultural projection.
By adopting the flamboyant and symbolic flame-throated bulbul, the games were bound to engage the masses appropriately, promote Goa’s sporting culture, and leave a lasting heritage.
Mascots are now a part of sporting events everywhere in the world today, and Rubigula’s contribution is in how one single well-designed mascot

would carry an event over and above its own targets and leave its mark.
Since India is increasingly holding larger percentages of national and even international sporting events, Rubigula’s triumph shall serve as the model for future event brand planners and also mascots to emulate.
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