Khelo India Beach Games Debuts in Diu, Elevating Coastal Sports to National Stage

The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games is set to commence at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, marking a significant expansion of India's grassroots sports initiative. With over 1000 athletes participating, the event aims to promote beach and water-based sports while fostering competitive excellence. The six-day competition will feature a mix of medal and demonstration events, highlighting India's diverse sporting culture.  

 

Key Highlights:  

- Competitive events will feature six medal sports—beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, beach sepak takraw, pencak silat, and open water swimming—testing endurance, agility, and teamwork in coastal conditions.  

- Mallakhamb and tug-of-war will be showcased as demonstration sports, celebrating India's indigenous athletic traditions while integrating them into the modern sports framework.  

- Diu's success in hosting national-level beach sports in previous years has paved the way for this large-scale competition, following Madhya Pradesh’s championship win in 2024.  

- Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced an expansion of the Khelo India program, incorporating school sports, martial arts, and coastal competitions to strengthen India's sporting ecosystem.  

- The opening ceremony will blend athleticism with cultural expression, featuring performances of Garba, Bhangra, Kathakali, and Bihu, alongside a musical presentation by Gujarati singer Geeta Ben Rabari.  

- The event aligns with India's broader sports development strategy, aiming to nurture young talent, provide structured competition, and enhance the visibility of beach sports at a national level.  

 

Sources:  News18, ThePrint, Deccan Chronicle