Is KIBG 2026: Khelo India Providing a Major Platform for Beach Games?
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Diu, Jan 9 (NationPress) Prasanna Behindre, who clinched a gold medal in pencak silat, expressed his appreciation for the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) on Friday, commending it for offering a significant platform for the youth. Currently underway in Daman and Diu, the Khelo India Beach Games present an excellent opportunity for these athletes to demonstrate their skills and aim for international recognition.
"Securing a gold medal is a moment of pride for the UT; I have achieved a medal for our territory, and I’m thrilled. I aspire to win more medals in the future. The experience was exceptional; I relished it, and it was a novel experience for me. Khelo India is presenting us with a platform akin to beach games—it’s a considerable platform," Prasanna Behindre, a gold medalist in Pencak Silat, shared with IANS.
Sohail Gurung from Odisha, who participated in the 55-60 kg weight category and secured a silver medal, expressed his enthusiasm and discussed how the Games are offering an expansive platform.
"I competed in the 55-60 category and earned a silver medal. While I feel happy about winning a silver medal, I also feel a tinge of sadness for not clinching gold. However, I’m determined to strive for gold next time. Khelo India is an excellent platform that offers great opportunities for everyone. This is my first experience playing a beach game, and it was a fantastic introduction. Typically, we compete on the mat, which demands considerable stamina and strength, especially when playing on sand. Overall, it was a great initial experience, and I’m eager to perform better next time," Sohail Gurung mentioned to IANS.
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026, organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is being conducted under the technical oversight of the Sports Authority of India along with national sports federations.
The second edition of Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is witnessing over 1,100 participants competing in eight diverse sports, including volleyball, soccer, sepaktakraw, 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 for the taking.