Over 1,300 athletes converge at Ghoghla Beach as India’s coastal sports vision gathers pace
KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jan 05: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, on Monday attended the grand opening ceremony of the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games at the picturesque and Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu, underlining the Government of India’s sustained push towards strengthening the country’s sporting culture and expanding the horizons of youth participation in non-traditional disciplines.
The vibrant ceremony, set against the scenic coastal backdrop, was also graced by Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, along with senior officials, eminent sports personalities, prominent citizens and a large gathering of youth and sports enthusiasts from across the country.
A special message from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was read out on the occasion, in which he extended his warm felicitations to the participating athletes, organizers and all those associated with the event. The Prime Minister lauded the Khelo India initiative for creating new opportunities for young talent and for strengthening India’s sporting ecosystem at the grassroots level.
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing a transformative phase in the field of sports, marked by increased infrastructure, institutional support and growing global aspirations among the youth. He emphasized that sports have emerged as a powerful tool for youth empowerment and national integration.
“We are committed to empowering youth through the power of sports. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India’s youth are redefining sporting excellence and scripting a new history from playgrounds to podiums,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He noted that today’s young athletes are no longer confined to conventional sports but are confidently exploring newer domains, including beach and coastal disciplines, driven by determination, discipline and dreams of victory.
Describing the Khelo India Beach Games as a symbol of India’s evolving sports vision, the Lieutenant Governor said the event reflects the Government of India’s firm commitment to nurturing a robust and inclusive sporting culture, while also tapping into the country’s vast coastal potential. He observed that the growing popularity of beach sports signifies a youth-led surge that is expanding India’s sporting footprint beyond traditional arenas.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed pride in Jammu and Kashmir’s active participation in this national sporting movement, stating that young athletes from the Union Territory are increasingly showcasing their talent on national platforms through perseverance and competitive spirit.
He further said that platforms such as the Khelo India Beach Games play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded sportspersons by instilling confidence, leadership and a sense of discipline. According to him, these qualities would play a decisive role in preparing Gen Z athletes for success at international and global tournaments.
Calling upon the participating athletes to act as ambassadors of national unity, Shri Manoj Sinha urged them to embody the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and to carry back memories of Diu’s warmth, hospitality and rich cultural heritage to their home states and regions. He remarked that the Beach Games are not merely a competition for medals but also an effective platform to project India’s soft power and showcase the country’s coastal tourism potential to the world.
The Lieutenant Governor also drew attention to the need for environmental consciousness, stating that events of this nature serve as a reminder of the shared responsibility to preserve coastal ecosystems and promote sustainable practices. He underlined that sports have the unique ability to transcend barriers of caste, religion and region, fostering unity and collective national pride.
Congratulating Shri Praful Patel and the people of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Shri Manoj Sinha lauded the Union Territory for successfully hosting India’s first-ever multi-sport Beach Games in 2024 and the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games in 2025, which laid a strong foundation for the expansion of beach sports in the country. He extended his best wishes to all participating athletes, expressing confidence that the Games would inspire a lifelong commitment to fitness, excellence and sportsmanship.
The 2026 edition of the Khelo India Beach Games, building on the historic success of the previous editions, will be held over the next five days. More than 1,300 athletes from 31 States and Union Territories are participating in eight disciplines, including six competitive events—Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Pencak Silat and Open Water Swimming—alongside demonstration sports such as Beach Mallakhamb and Beach Tug of War.
The opening ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from sports lovers, youth and officials, reflecting the growing nationwide excitement around beach sports and reaffirming India’s ambition to emerge as a global sporting powerhouse.
