Sun, Sand, and Sport: Diu’s Ghoghla Beach Gears Up for Khelo India Beach Games |

Updated: January 04, 2026 23:04

Image Source: Awaz The Voice

The second Khelo India Beach Games will be held at Ghoghla Beach, Diu, from January 5–10, 2026, featuring 1,100 athletes across eight sports. Organized under SAI’s supervision, the event includes medal disciplines like beach soccer and kabaddi, alongside traditional showcases. It aims to boost sports culture and tourism nationwide.

The pristine Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu is transforming into a vibrant sporting arena as it prepares to host the second Khelo India Beach Games from January 5–10, 2026. Organized by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, the event is being conducted under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and national sports federations.

Key highlights of the Games include:

Participation scale: More than 2,100 participants, including 1,100 athletes from 29 states and union territories, will compete in diverse disciplines.

Sports lineup: Six medal events—Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming—will headline the competition. Additionally, Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be featured as non-medal events, adding cultural and traditional flavor.

National vision: Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the Games align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of fostering a sporting culture across India. He noted that the event provides athletes with a unique platform to showcase their skills on natural surfaces while highlighting India’s coastal beauty.

Tourism boost: Officials expect the Games to significantly promote sports tourism in Diu, drawing attention to the region’s beaches and positioning it as a hub for adventure and recreational sports.

Youth engagement: The initiative is part of the broader Khelo India program, designed to encourage grassroots participation, nurture talent, and integrate traditional sports into mainstream competition.

The Games are expected to deliver a festival-like atmosphere, combining competitive spirit with cultural vibrancy. For athletes, it offers exposure to international-style formats, while for spectators, it promises a blend of sport and scenic coastal experiences.

By hosting the event, Diu is not only strengthening India’s sporting calendar but also reinforcing its reputation as a destination where sports, culture, and tourism converge seamlessly.

Sources: UNI India, Tribune India, New Kerala

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