Khelo India Beach Games 2026 Set to Begin at Ghoghla Beach
Exciting Sports Event at Ghoghla Beach
Ghoghla Beach, located along the Arabian Sea, is gearing up to host the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games, featuring over 2,100 participants. This vibrant event will take place from January 5 to January 10, organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, with oversight from the Sports Authority of India and various national sports federations.
Athletes from across the country will compete in eight sports, including volleyball, soccer, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. Among these, the first six are designated as medal sports, with a total of 32 gold medals available.
In the inaugural edition, Manipur, Maharashtra, and Nagaland secured the top three positions in the medal tally, each winning five gold medals but differing in the number of silver medals earned.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "The first Khelo India Beach Games generated significant excitement among participants. We aim to provide new platforms for athletes to showcase their talents and enjoy their favorite sports. This aligns with PM Narendra Modi's vision of fostering a sports culture to promote healthy living among our youth. We anticipate introducing more Khelo India events in 2026, as we strive to unite our nation through sports and spread joy through competition."
He further emphasized that the Khelo India initiatives align with the Khelo Bharat Niti, aiming to make sports a widespread movement and integrate it into the social fabric for community upliftment. Events like the Beach Games also showcase the region's natural beauty through sports.
The opening ceremony for the KIBG 2026 will take place at the Blue Flag Ghoghla Beach on Monday evening, with Shri Praful Patel, the administrator of the Union Territories of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, and Shri Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, in attendance.
Teams have been arriving in sunny Diu since Saturday, with participation from 29 states and Union Territories. The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 will kick off on Monday with matches in beach kabaddi and beach soccer. Last year, Haryana excelled in kabaddi, while Kerala's men and Odisha's women clinched gold in soccer.