Emerging Beach Soccer Opportunities in DNHDD for Young Athletes
Beach Soccer's Rise in DNHDD
Beach soccer is increasingly becoming a vital platform for young athletes in coastal and tribal regions like Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNHDD). Recent initiatives by the local administration have significantly boosted football development, particularly in beach soccer, as highlighted in a recent announcement. This advancement is attributed to ongoing investments in sports facilities and grassroots programs.
Building Top-Notch Sports Facilities
Shri Arun Gupta, director of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 and joint secretary for Youth Affairs & Sports in DNHDD, emphasized the creation of world-class sports infrastructure across the Union Territory's three districts. This development aims to establish a structured environment that nurtures emerging talent and ensures consistent support for disciplines like beach soccer.
Coach Insights on Growth and Strategy
Preet Bhat, the coach of the DNHDD beach football team, noted a significant increase in interest in beach soccer over the past three years. He mentioned that national events like the Khelo India Beach Games have provided local athletes with opportunities to compete at higher levels. "This exposure has boosted players' confidence and fostered a thriving sports culture in the area," Bhat remarked.
Selection Process Explained
Bhat elaborated on the selection process, stating that players are initially shortlisted through district trials before being invited to specialized training camps. "Approximately 20 to 22 players undergo intensive training, from which 12 to 15 are chosen for the final team. Regular practice sessions and preparatory matches are organized ahead of major competitions," he added.
Utilizing Natural Coastal Advantages
According to Bhat, the coastal geography of the region provides a natural edge. Many players train on sandy beaches, which helps them adapt to the unique physical and technical demands of beach soccer. This familiarity with the playing conditions has significantly enhanced their performance in national competitions.
Promoting Inclusivity and Early Talent Discovery
In addition to the Khelo India Beach Games, the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports organizes various tournaments across senior, youth, and junior levels. Bhat pointed out that school competitions, including Under-10, Under-12, School Games Federation of India, and Subroto Cup events, are crucial for identifying early talent and fostering long-term development.
With a large tribal population in the Union Territory, these sports initiatives have been instrumental in engaging youth from tribal communities in organized competitive sports. Several players from these backgrounds are now part of representative teams and are consistently performing well.
The Impact of Local Coaching
Bhat, who coaches the men's team, believes that having a predominantly local coaching staff has strengthened development efforts. "Local coaches understand the social and geographical contexts of the players better, making training more effective and results-oriented," he stated.
Future Prospects and National Opportunities
Bhat expressed optimism about the future of beach soccer in DNHDD, noting that structured selection processes, institutional training support, and regular competitions are now firmly established. National tournaments not only enhance players' technical and tactical skills but also attract the attention of national selectors and federations, paving the way for advanced training programs and future selection opportunities.
Competitive Achievements on National Platforms
The positive impact of these initiatives is evident in the competitive performances at national levels. In the men's category, the DNHDD team achieved a remarkable 15-1 victory against Himachal Pradesh, while also gaining valuable experience against stronger teams, losing 7-0 to the eventual champions Kerala and drawing 4-4 with Karnataka before falling 3-1 in the tie-breaker.
The DNHDD women's team also demonstrated resilience, narrowly losing 7-5 to Himachal Pradesh and facing a tough match against Gujarat, where they lost 12-1. Despite the outcomes, both teams benefited from the high-intensity competition at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026.