Khelo India Beach Games 2026 Kicks Off with Enthusiasm at Ghoghla Beach
Exciting Start to Khelo India Beach Games 2026
The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) commenced vibrantly at Ghoghla Beach in Diu on January 5, featuring a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This year's event, which includes over 2,100 participants from across India, is set to conclude on January 10.
Diu is adorned with festive decorations, with the cheerful dolphin mascot, 'Pearl', welcoming athletes, volunteers, and all involved in KIBG 2026.
Organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, the Games are conducted under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India and various 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.
In his message, PM Modi expressed his best wishes to the athletes and praised the Union Territory for hosting KIBG 2026, stating, “The Khelo India Beach Games hold a unique position in India's sports landscape. Beach sports require physical endurance, 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.”
PM Modi commended the choice of Ghoghla Beach as the venue, noting its Blue Flag certification. He emphasized that hosting sports in harmony with nature enhances both athletic achievements and environmental consciousness, stating, “This setting serves as a reminder that excellence and sustainability can progress together.”
The opening ceremony was led by Manoj Sinha, the Lt Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, 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 placed by Sinha and Praful Patel, the administrator of DNH & DD and Lakshadweep.
Sinha highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's achievements in the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games 2025, where local athletes excelled in pencak silat, securing nine medals.
He also noted 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, showcasing the administration's commitment to sustainable development and tourism.
PM Modi reiterated the transformative impact of sports, stating, “India is experiencing a profound shift in its sporting culture. There is a renewed focus on grassroots participation and institutional outreach, reshaping how talent is identified and nurtured. Modern infrastructure and scientific training methods are becoming accessible to young athletes from all backgrounds.”
He added, “As we strive towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, our youth are at the forefront of this journey, with opportunities expanding across various fields, including sports, science, and entrepreneurship.”
On the first day of competition, Beach Soccer and Beach Kabaddi matches commenced, with notable performances. In women's Beach Soccer, defending champions Odisha defeated Maharashtra 11-3 in Group A, while Himachal Pradesh overcame hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5 in Group B.
In Beach Kabaddi, both Maharashtra men's and women's teams secured convincing wins in their respective groups, with the women's team defeating Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 64-22 and the men's team beating Delhi 47-20.