Diu, Jan 4 (NationPress) Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the Khelo India Beach Games offer athletes an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate their talents on a stunning natural surface, while also fostering a robust sporting culture nationwide.

The upcoming second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games is set to take place at the Blue Flag Ghoghla Beach from January 5 to 10, featuring over 2,100 participants competing in eight sports. This event is organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, with technical oversight from the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations.

Over 1,100 athletes will participate in sports like beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach sepak takraw, beach kabaddi, pencak silat, open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug of war. Six of these sports will be medal events, with a total of 32 gold medals available.

In the medal standings of the inaugural edition, Manipur, Maharashtra, and Nagaland secured the top three positions, each winning five gold medals, with the final order determined by the count of silver medals.

“The initial Khelo India Beach Games sparked significant enthusiasm among participants. We aim to create new avenues for athletes to showcase their talents and enjoy their favorite sports. This initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of cultivating a strong sporting culture to nurture healthy citizens,” stated Dr Mandaviya.

He also mentioned that additional Khelo India events are planned for 2026, aiming to unify the nation through sports and promote joy through healthy competition.

The Minister reiterated that Khelo India events align with the Khelo Bharat Niti. “Our goal is to turn sports into a mass movement, embedding it in the social fabric. Events such as the Beach Games also serve to display India’s natural beauty globally through sports,” he remarked.

The opening ceremony for the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is scheduled for Monday evening at Ghoghla Beach, with the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor present at the event.

Teams have been arriving in Diu since Saturday, representing 29 states and Union Territories. The competition will commence on the opening day with matches in beach kabaddi and beach soccer. In the previous edition, Haryana excelled in beach kabaddi, while Kerala men and Odisha women clinched gold medals in beach soccer.

The Khelo India Beach Games are part of the sports competition and talent development initiative under the Khelo India Scheme. The first edition was held in Diu from May 19 to 24, 2025, with the goal of promoting beach sports and increasing interest in disciplines played on sand and in water.