The scenic Ghoghla Beach in Diu is set for a spectacular transformation into a hub of athletic excellence as it hosts the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG). The event, which promises fierce competition and vibrant energy, will see the participation of more than 2,100 athletes and participants from across the nation.
A Sporting Spectacle by the Arabian Sea
Organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, the Beach Games are scheduled to run from January 5 to January 10, 2026. The Sports Authority of India (SAI), along with various national sports federations, will provide technical supervision for the multi-sport festival. Teams from 29 states and Union Territories have already begun arriving in sunny Diu, marking a significant increase in national representation.
The competitive spirit will be on full display as more than 1,100 athletes vie for top honours in eight diverse sports. The medal events include beach volleyball, beach soccer, sepak takraw, beach kabaddi, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Additionally, mallakhamb and tug-of-war will be featured as demonstration sports. A total of 32 gold medals are up for grabs, ensuring a week of thrilling contests.
Building on a Legacy of Success
The inaugural edition of the Games set a high benchmark, with Manipur, Maharashtra, and Nagaland clinching the top three spots in the medal tally. Interestingly, all three states had won five gold medals each, with the final standings decided by the count of silver medals. This year, states like Haryana, which dominated kabaddi last time, and Kerala and Odisha, the reigning champions in men's and women's beach soccer respectively, will aim to defend their prestige.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized the broader vision behind these events. He stated that the Khelo India initiative aligns perfectly with the Khelo Bharat Niti and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of fostering a pervasive sports culture. "We are opening up new platforms for athletes to express themselves and enjoy the sport they like to play," Dr. Mandaviya said. He further announced that 2026 will witness more new Khelo India events, aimed at stitching the nation together through sports and showcasing India's natural beauty to the world.
Grand Inauguration at a Blue Flag Beach
The festivities will commence with a grand opening ceremony on Monday evening at the pristine Blue Flag certified Ghoghla Beach. The ceremony is expected to be graced by notable dignitaries including Praful Patel, the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, and Lakshadweep, and Shri Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.
The action on the sand begins immediately on Day 1 with preliminary matches in beach kabaddi and beach soccer. As the waves of the Arabian Sea provide a stunning backdrop, the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 is poised to be more than just a competition; it is a celebration of youth, fitness, and India's growing stature as a sporting destination, turning the coastline into a true paradise for sports enthusiasts.
