- Second edition of Khelo India Beach Games inaugurated by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
- Prime Minister Modi lauds selection of Ghoghla Beach as the venue
- Grand opening of Khelo India Beach Games 2026; over 2,100 participants to compete from January 5 to 10
Bhopal: The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 began with a vibrant opening ceremony at Ghoghla Beach. A special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi was read out on the occasion, highlighting the growing importance of beach sports in India’s evolving sporting ecosystem. More than 2,100 participants from across the country are taking part in the Games, which will continue from January 5 to January 10.
The coastal city of Diu has been immersed in the festive spirit of the Games, with the official mascot ‘Pearl’, a cheerful and energetic dolphin, welcoming athletes, support staff, volunteers, and stakeholders associated with KIBG 2026.
Organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, the Khelo India Beach Games are being conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and the respective National Sports Federations. Over 1,100 athletes are competing in eight disciplines—volleyball, soccer, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug of war. The first six disciplines are medal sports, with a total of 32 gold medals at stake.
Extending his best wishes to the athletes and congratulating the host Union Territory, Prime Minister Modi said that the Khelo India Beach Games occupy a special place in India’s sports landscape. He noted that beach and coastal sports demand physical endurance, mental resilience, and the ability to perform in constantly changing conditions. By providing a platform to emerging sports, the Games are expanding the horizons of Indian sports while opening new avenues for identifying, nurturing, and developing talent.
The Prime Minister also praised the selection of Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach as the venue, stating that sports organised in harmony with nature not only promote sporting excellence but also raise environmental awareness. He emphasised that the venue serves as a reminder that excellence and sustainability can progress together.
The formal inauguration of Khelo India Beach Games 2026 was conducted by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Prior to this, an athletes’ parade and a traditional torch relay were held, led by four outstanding performers from previous editions—Don Remedios (beach football), Payal Parmar (beach volleyball), Ajish Patel and Jalpa Solanki (both tug of war). The torch was ceremonially installed by Sinha along with Praful Patel, Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Lakshadweep.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sinha highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s achievements at the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games held at the same venue in 2025, where athletes from the Union Territory won nine medals in pencak silat. He also outlined major developmental initiatives undertaken in Diu since 2014, including the redevelopment of the INS Khukri Memorial, Blue Flag certification of Ghoghla Beach, and strengthening of urban and rural infrastructure, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development and tourism promotion.
Reiterating the transformative power of sports, Prime Minister Modi said India’s sports culture is undergoing a profound shift, with renewed emphasis on institutional outreach, grassroots participation, and cultural change. He noted that modern infrastructure, scientific training methods, and transparent competitive platforms are now reaching young athletes beyond geographical and social barriers.
Highlighting India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, the Prime Minister said that youth are at the forefront of this transformation, with expanding opportunities across sports, science, education, governance, space, and startups. Initiatives such as Khelo India, Sansad Khel Mahotsav, and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are redefining how Indian athletes are prepared for global competitions and long-term success.
Earlier in the day, competitions in beach soccer and beach kabaddi commenced, witnessing strong performances by leading teams. In women’s beach soccer, defending champions Odisha defeated Maharashtra 11-3 in Group A, while debutants Himachal Pradesh staged a comeback to beat hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5 in Group B.
In beach kabaddi, Maharashtra’s men’s and women’s teams registered convincing victories in their respective matches, underlining a strong start to their campaigns.
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 continue to showcase India’s growing sporting diversity, blending competition, culture, sustainability, and youth empowerment on a national platform.
