Khelo India Beach Games will build confidence and leadership that will spur rise of Gen Z athletes in global tournaments
By Sameer Rashid
The turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea provided a shimmering backdrop to a revolution in Indian sports on Monday, as the pristine Ghoghla Beach in Diu transformed into a vibrant arena for the 2nd edition of the Khelo India Beach Games. The air was thick not just with the salt of the sea, but with the palpable energy of a nation rapidly redefining its athletic identity.
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the event, marking another significant milestone in the country’s sporting calendar. The ceremony, a kaleidoscope of culture and athleticism, underscored a pivotal shift in India’s sporting narrative—moving beyond the traditional turf and track to embrace the vast, untapped potential of its coastline. The event serves as a testament to the seamless integration of sports, tourism, and environmental stewardship, set against the rigorous standards of a Blue Flag-certified beach.
The atmosphere at Ghoghla Beach was electric. Drums beat in rhythm with the crashing waves as athletes from across the subcontinent gathered, representing the diverse tapestry of India. The opening ceremony was graced by Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, alongside a host of eminent sports personalities and senior officials. The gathering of thousands—ranging from Gen Z athletes to seasoned sports enthusiasts—painted a picture of a nation united by the universal language of competition.
In a poignant moment that set the tone for the week-long championship, a special message from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was read out. The Prime Minister extended his heartiest felicitations to the participating athletes and organizers, reinforcing the central government’s keen interest in diversifying India’s sporting portfolio.
Addressing the enthusiastic gathering, Lieutenant Governor Sinha placed the event within the broader context of India’s rising global stature. He articulated a vision where sports are not merely recreational but a vehicle for national empowerment.
“We are committed to empower youth through the power of sports,” the Lieutenant Governor said, his voice carrying over the coastal breeze. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India’s youth are redefining sports excellence and scripting a new history from playgrounds to podiums. The young sportspersons are not confined to traditional sports but they are conquering new grounds with sweat, dreams and victory.”
This “conquering of new grounds” is literal in Diu. The 2026 edition follows the historic success of the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games held in 2025, where Manipur emerged as the champion, showcasing the incredible versatility of athletes from the North East even in coastal formats. This year, the stakes are higher and the participation wider. Over the next five days, more than 1,300 athletes from 31 states and Union Territories will compete across eight disciplines.
The schedule is a fascinating mix of high-octane competitive sports and culturally rich demonstrations. The competitive lineup includes Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming. The inclusion of Pencak Silat, a martial art form rooted in Indonesian tradition, highlights the games’ growing international flavor. Meanwhile, indigenous sports are being given a modern, sandy twist with Beach Mallakhamb and Beach Tug of War featured as demonstration events. Beach Mallakhamb, in particular, promises to be a visual spectacle, requiring athletes to perform anti-gravity yoga postures on a wooden pole, now adapted for the shifting sands—a true test of core strength and balance.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha highlighted that the spectacular Khelo India Beach Games event reflects the Government of India’s commitment to nurture a strong sporting culture and India’s Youth Surge in Coastal Sports. He noted that the Jammu & Kashmir is proud to be an active participant in this national sporting movement, signaling a bridging of geographies—from the snow-capped peaks of the north to the sun-drenched shores of the west.
The strategic importance of these games extends far beyond the medal tally. In an era where sports tourism contributes significantly to global economies, Diu is positioning itself as a premier destination. The Lieutenant Governor called upon the athletes to act as brand ambassadors for ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and share the warm hospitality and priceless culture of Diu with their respective regions.
“Khelo India Beach Games are not just about winning medals; they are a platform to project India’s ‘soft power’ and showcase our coastal tourism potential to the world,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
This concept of “soft power” is critical. By hosting world-class events on Blue Flag beaches—an eco-label awarded to beaches that meet stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria—India is signalling its readiness to host major international coastal events. The impeccable cleanliness and sustainable management of Ghoghla Beach demonstrate that infrastructure development and ecological preservation can go hand in hand.
Touching upon this ecological responsibility, the Lieutenant Governor noted that the event was a celebration of nature as much as it was of human endurance. He said the Beach Games also remind us of our shared responsibility towards environmental sustainability and the preservation of our coastal ecosystems.
The narrative of the games is also one of unity. In a diverse nation, the sporting arena remains one of the few places where background dissolves into irrelevance, leaving only talent and determination.
“Sports unite people beyond caste, religion, and region. Let us make these games a success through the power of unity and work towards making India a world-class sporting power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He further emphasized the psychological impact of such tournaments on the younger demographic. The resilience required to sprint on sand, the agility needed to tackle amidst the sea breeze, and the mental fortitude to compete at a national level are forging a new generation of leaders.
These games will build confidence and leadership that will spur rise of Gen Z athletes in global tournaments, he further said.
The journey to this 2026 edition has been paved with successful milestones. The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Shri Praful Patel, Administrator, UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and the people of the Union Territory for successfully hosting the India’s first-ever multi-sport Beach Games in 2024 and the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in 2025. He also extended his best wishes to all the athletes.
As the sun began to set over Diu, casting long shadows across the arena, the opening ceremony concluded, but the real story was just beginning. For the next five days, Ghoghla Beach will not just be a tourist spot, but a crucible of dreams. From the tactical raids of Beach Kabaddi to the acrobatic spikes of Beach Volleyball, every grain of sand will witness the making of future champions. The Khelo India Beach Games have truly arrived, anchoring India’s sporting ambitions firmly to its magnificent coastline.
Leave a Reply