Khelo India Beach Games 2026 Kicks Off with Enthusiasm at Ghoghla Beach
Inauguration of Khelo India Beach Games
The vibrant second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) commenced on Monday at Ghoghla Beach, featuring a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event, which includes over 2,100 participants from various regions, is set to conclude on January 10.
Diu is adorned in festive decorations, with the cheerful dolphin mascot 'Pearl' welcoming athletes, support teams, volunteers, and all involved in KIBG 2026.
Event Details and Sports
Organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, the Khelo India Beach Games are conducted under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations. More than 1,100 athletes will compete across eight sports: volleyball, soccer, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. The first six sports will award medals, with a total of 32 gold medals available.
PM Modi's Encouraging Words
In his message, PM Modi wished the athletes success and praised the Union Territory for hosting KIBG 2026. He remarked, "The Khelo India Beach Games hold a unique position in India's sports scene. Beach sports require physical stamina, mental resilience, and adaptability to changing conditions. By highlighting emerging sports, these Games broaden the scope of Indian athletics and pave the way for talent discovery and development."
He also commended the choice of Ghoghla Beach, a Blue Flag certified location, stating, "Hosting sports in harmony with nature enhances both athletic success and environmental consciousness. This venue symbolizes the synergy between excellence and sustainability."
Grand Opening Ceremony Highlights
The opening ceremony was officiated by the Lt Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, following a parade of athletes and a ceremonial torch relay featuring four distinguished beach sports athletes: Don Remedios (beach football), Payal Parmar (beach volleyball), Ajish Patel, and Jalpa Solanki (both tug-of-war). The torch was officially handed over by Sinha and Praful Patel, the administrator of DNH & Diu and Lakshadweep.
Jammu and Kashmir's Achievements
Sinha emphasized Jammu and Kashmir's rising prominence through the Khelo India Beach Games, noting, "The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games 2025 at this beach showcased remarkable performances from our athletes, who secured nine medals in pencak silat."
He also highlighted the significant development initiatives undertaken in Diu since 2014, including the redevelopment of the INS Khukri Memorial and the Blue Flag certification for Ghoghla Beach, reflecting the administration's commitment to sustainable development and tourism.
PM Modi on the Evolution of Sports in India
PM Modi reiterated the transformative impact of sports, stating, "India is undergoing a significant shift in its sporting culture. There is a renewed focus on grassroots participation, institutional outreach, and cultural change, reshaping how we identify and nurture sporting talent. Modern infrastructure and scientific training methods are becoming more accessible to young athletes, regardless of their background or location."
He added, "As we strive towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, our youth are at the forefront of this journey, with opportunities spanning various fields, including sports, science, and entrepreneurship, fostering an ecosystem where aspirations meet access."
Early Competition Highlights
On the opening day, competitions commenced in Beach Soccer and Beach Kabaddi, with top teams making strong impressions. In women's Beach Soccer, defending champions Odisha triumphed over Maharashtra with an 11-3 score in Group A, while debutants Himachal Pradesh rallied to defeat hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5 in Group B.
In Beach Kabaddi, both men's and women's teams from Maharashtra secured convincing victories. The women's team defeated Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 64-22, while the men's team overcame Delhi with a score of 47-20.