Did Daman & Diu Strike Gold on Day 1 of Pencak Silat at Khelo India Beach Games 2025?
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Synopsis
Discover how Daman & Diu kicked off the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 with stunning victories in pencak silat. The local athletes shone bright, claiming gold medals and showcasing exceptional talent. This event not only celebrates sports but also aims to uplift the region's tourism and economy. Join us as we delve into the highlights of this exciting competition.
Key Takeaways
- Daman & Diu secured two gold medals in pencak silat.
- Prasanna Bendre is a decorated athlete with international achievements.
- The Games feature six medal sports including soccer and volleyball.
- Tourism in Diu is anticipated to improve due to the Games.
- Pencak silat focuses on artistic expression and technical skill.
Diu, May 20 (NationPress) The hosts, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, enjoyed a remarkable beginning on Day 2 of the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games in Diu on Tuesday. The first medals of the Games were awarded in the pencak silat competition, where Daman & Diu secured victories in two of the initial three events.
Pencak silat, an Indonesian martial art, showcased the talent of a Union Territory bordered by the Arabian Sea, excelling in this open competition. Prasanna Narendra Bendre from Daman & Diu clinched gold in the senior men’s tunggal (artistic) category, while Kirtana Manojkumar Acharya from the home team earned gold in the senior female division.
Additionally, a third gold was awarded in the pencak silat competition during the morning session at Ghoghla Beach. In the solo event (artistic), Punjab’s Aaryan took home the gold, outperforming Odisha’s Sohil Gurung. Pencak silat is characterized by its technicality, with points given for artistic expression and creativity.
Bendre, the region’s most decorated athlete, boasts a silver and two bronze medals from international competitions. He attained silver at the 2022 Asian Championship in Jammu and Kashmir and secured two bronzes at the 2024 Asian Championship in Dubai and the 2024 World Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Bendre hopes that these Khelo India Beach Games will significantly boost tourism in Diu. “This will benefit us. A stronger economy will enhance all sports and the infrastructure,” he stated.
The beach soccer matches commenced on Monday, featuring a series of lopsided contests in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Lakshadweep showcased one of the most dominant performances, defeating Gujarat with a staggering score of 19-1. Meanwhile, Odisha women overwhelmed Madhya Pradesh 18-0.
These Games, concluding on May 24, feature six medal sports: soccer, volleyball, kabaddi, open swimming, sepak takraw, and pencak silat, along with two non-medal sports (mallakhamb and tug-of-war).
Pencak Silat Results
Solo Creative Senior Male: Gold: Aaryan with a score of 560 (Punjab), Silver: Sohil Gurung, 542 (Odisha), Bronze: Vaibhav Valmik Kale, 541 (Maharashtra), and Kevin, 525 (Nagaland)
Tunggal Senior Female: Gold: Kirtana Manojkumar Acharya with a score of 408 (Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu), Silver: Bhoomikajiten Drajain, 397 (Madhya Pradesh), Bronze: Edwina Lhinghoithem Hanghal, 387 (Nagaland), and Dolly Leishangthem, 380 (Manipur)
Tunggal Senior Male: Gold: Prasanna Narendra Bendre with a score of 420 (Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu), Silver: Raja Das, 397 (West Bengal), Bronze: Ravees Ahmad, 391 (Jammu and Kashmir), and Krishna Narsing Panchal, 382 (Maharashtra)
Point of View
I believe the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 serve as a pivotal platform for promoting sports and tourism in India, particularly in regions like Daman & Diu. The impressive performances in pencak silat highlight the untapped potential of local athletes and the importance of supporting grassroots sports initiatives.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Khelo India Beach Games?
The Khelo India Beach Games are a national multi-sport event held in India, focusing on various sports, including pencak silat, with the aim of promoting sports and athletic talent across the country.
Where are the Khelo India Beach Games 2025 being held?
The Khelo India Beach Games 2025 are taking place in Diu, a beautiful coastal region in India, known for its beaches and vibrant culture.
What sports are included in the Khelo India Beach Games?
The Games include six medal sports: soccer, volleyball, kabaddi, open swimming, sepak takraw, and pencak silat, along with two non-medal sports: mallakhamb and tug-of-war.
Who are the medal winners in the pencak silat competition?
In the pencak silat competition, gold medals were won by Prasanna Narendra Bendre and Kirtana Manojkumar Acharya from Daman & Diu, along with Punjab's Aaryan.
How can the Khelo India Beach Games benefit the local economy?
These Games are expected to enhance tourism in Diu, which in turn will contribute to a better economy, benefiting local sports and infrastructure development.
