Princess Alexander Thomas Shines at Khelo India Beach Games 2026
Khelo India Beach Games 2026 Kicks Off
Diu (Daman and Diu) [India], January 6: In a remarkable display of skill, local athlete Princess Alexander Thomas from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu secured the inaugural gold medal in the women's Tunngal category of Pencak Silat during the Khelo India Beach Games 2026. Raja Das from West Bengal also triumphed in the men's Tunngal event at Ghoghla Beach on Tuesday, as reported by a KIBG Media Release.
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026, hosted by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is being conducted under the guidance of the Sports Authority of India and various national sports federations. This second edition features over 1,100 competitors across eight sports, including 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, according to the announcement.
Exciting Day of Competitions
On the second day of events, two gold medals were up for grabs, and the home team aimed to replicate last year's success. Princess Alexander Thomas set the tone by defeating Bhoomika Jitendra Jain from Madhya Pradesh in the women's final.
In the men's final, reigning champion Prasanna Bendre was expected to win against Raja Das, but the West Bengal competitor demonstrated superior technical skills to claim victory over the local favorite.
Intense Battles in Beach Kabaddi
The competition heated up in Beach Kabaddi as Haryana achieved their second consecutive win in Pool A, overpowering Maharashtra with a score of 47-26. The match was closely contested in the initial stages, but as the Maharashtra players began to tire, Haryana seized control.
In the men's category, Uttar Pradesh showcased their strength against Andhra Pradesh, often scoring multiple touch points in a single raid. Despite their efforts, Andhra Pradesh fell short, concluding the match at 43-34.
Dominance in Beach Soccer
In Beach Soccer, Kerala commenced their tournament with an impressive 15-2 victory over Karnataka, with all four starting outfield players netting three goals each. The hosts, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, also displayed their prowess, defeating Himachal Pradesh 15-1.
Later in the evening, Gujarat's women thwarted Himachal Pradesh's aspirations for an upset, winning decisively 9-0. Himachal Pradesh, making their Beach Soccer debut, had previously triumphed over the hosts 7-5 in their opening match.
Beach Volleyball Matches Begin
Group matches in Beach Volleyball commenced, with teams from Goa, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh starting their campaigns on a winning note.
Today's Results Summary
Pencak Silat:
(Women) Tunggal: Gold – Princess Alexander Thomas (DNH&DD); Silver – Bhoomika Jitendra Jain (MP); Bronze – Simran (CHD), Kirnakshi Yewale (Mah)
(Men) Tunggal: Gold – Raja Das (WB); Silver – Prasanna Bendre (DNH&DD); Bronze – Abhishek Gautam (Del), Srikant V (TN)
Beach Kabaddi
(Women): Pool A – Haryana bt Maharashtra 47-26, Punjab bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 63-11; Pool B: Rajasthan bt Himachal Pradesh 59-24
(Men): Pool A – Uttar Pradesh bt Andhra Pradesh 43-34, Haryana bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 55-19; Pool B: Rajasthan bt Delhi 57-32
Beach Soccer
(Women) Group A: Arunachal Pradesh bt Maharashtra 9-1; Group B: Gujarat bt Himachal Pradesh 9-0
(Men) Group B: Kerala bt Karnataka 15-2; Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu bt Himachal Pradesh 15-1.