Diu, Jan 5 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the impactful nature of sports in a dedicated message on Monday as the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games commenced vibrantly at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, adorned with festive decorations and the event's mascot, ‘Pearl’ – an energetic dolphin – greeting athletes, support staff, volunteers, and all stakeholders.

“As our nation advances towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, our youth are leading this charge. Opportunities are now available in every sector, be it sports, science, academics, administration, or start-ups. This is fostering an environment where aspirations align with access,” stated PM Modi in his address to the Games, which features over 2100 participants nationwide and will conclude on January 10.

The Khelo India Beach Games, organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is conducted under the technical guidance of the Sports Authority of India along with national sports federations. The event will showcase over 1,100 athletes competing in eight distinct sports: volleyball, soccer, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. The first six sports will be medal events, with a total of 32 gold medals available.

Wishing success to the athletes and congratulating the Union Territory for hosting KIBG 2026, PM Modi remarked, “The Khelo India Beach Games hold a unique significance in India's sporting landscape. Beach and coastal sports require exceptional physical endurance, mental fortitude, and the capability to perform under ever-changing conditions. By spotlighting emerging disciplines, these Games broaden the horizons of Indian sports and forge new avenues for talent to be identified, acknowledged, and developed.”

PM Modi praised the organizers for selecting Ghoghla Beach as the venue. “The decision to host the event at Ghoghla Beach, which has received Blue Flag certification, is particularly commendable. When sports are held in harmony with nature, they become a powerful means of promoting both athletic success and environmental consciousness. This environment reminds us that excellence and sustainability go hand in hand.”

The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 were officially inaugurated by the Hon’ble Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, following a parade of athletes and a ceremonial torch relay by four athletes excelling in beach sports – Don Remedios (beach football), Payal Parmar (beach volleyball), Ajish Patel, and Jalpa Solanki (both tug-of-war). The torch was ceremoniously placed by Shri Sinha and the Hon’ble Administrator of DNH & DD and Lakshadweep, Shri Praful Patel.

Sinha highlighted Jammu and Kashmir's prominence through the Khelo India Beach Games, stating, "It gives me immense pleasure to share that the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games 2025, held at this very beach, showcased outstanding performances by the athletes from Jammu and Kashmir. Competing in pencak silat, our players earned immense pride by clinching a total of nine medals.”

“Since 2014, the Union Territory Administration has launched significant development initiatives in Diu, including the redevelopment of the INS Khukri Memorial, achieving Blue Flag certification for Ghoghla Beach, and making notable advancements in enhancing both urban and rural infrastructure. These initiatives reflect the administration’s strong commitment to sustainable development and tourism enhancement,” Sinha noted.

PM Modi reiterated the transformative influence of sports. “Today, India is undergoing a profound transformation in its sporting culture. Across the nation, a renewed focus on institutional outreach, grassroots participation, and cultural changes is reshaping the identification and support of sporting talent. State-of-the-art infrastructure, scientific training methodologies, and transparent competition platforms are becoming increasingly accessible to young athletes, regardless of their background or geographic location.”

The Prime Minister added that initiatives like Khelo India, the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, and the Target Olympics Podium Scheme are redefining India’s approach to preparing athletes for global competitions and sustained success.”

Earlier on Monday, competitions commenced in Beach Soccer and Beach Kabaddi, with top teams setting a strong precedent early on.

In women’s Beach Soccer, defending champions Odisha triumphed over Maharashtra 11-3 in Group A, while newcomers Himachal Pradesh made a comeback in the third quarter to defeat hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5 in Group B.

In Beach Kabaddi, both the men's and women's teams from Maharashtra recorded decisive victories in their respective groups. In the women's division, Maharashtra overcame Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 64-22, while the men triumphed over Delhi 47-20.

MONDAY'S RESULTS

Beach Kabaddi

(Women): Pool A - Haryana bt Punjab 51-23; Maharashtra bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 71-18. Pool B - Uttar Pradesh beat Himachal Pradesh 43-35; Rajasthan beat Andhra Pradesh 64-22.

(Men): Pool A - Haryana bt Andhra Pradesh 53-16; Uttar Pradesh bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 55-33. Pool B - Rajasthan bt Uttarakhand 44-36; Maharashtra bt Delhi 47-20.

Beach Soccer

(Women) Group A: Odisha bt Maharashtra 11-3; Group B: Himachal Pradesh bt Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 7-5.