The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games got off to a colourful start at the Ghoghla Beach in Diu with a special message from the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. 

Diu is wearing a festive look with the 2nd Khelo India Beach Games’ mascot ‘Pearl’ – the happy and energetic dolphin – welcoming athletes, support staff, volunteers and all stakeholders associated with KIBG 2026.

The Games, organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is being held under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations.

More than 1,100 athletes have come to compete in eight different sports – Volleyball, Soccer, Sepak takraw, Kabaddi, Pencak silat, Open water swimming, Mallakhamb and Tug-of-War. 

While wishing good luck to the athletes and congratulating the Union Territory for hosting KIBG 2026, PM Modi said, “The Khelo India Beach Games occupy a special place in India’s sporting landscape. Beach and coastal sports demand physical endurance, mental strength and the ability to perform under constantly changing conditions. By bringing emerging disciplines to the forefront, these Games expand the horizons of Indian sport and create new pathways for talent to be discovered, recognised and nurtured.”

PM Modi lauded the UT organisers for choosing Ghogla Beach as a venue. “The choice of Ghoghla Beach, a Blue Flag certified beach, as the venue is particularly noteworthy. Sport, when hosted in harmony with nature, becomes a powerful medium for both athletic achievements and environmental awareness. This setting reminds us that excellence and sustainability progress together.”

The 2nd Khelo India Beach Games were declared open by the Hon’ble Lt Governor, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Manoj Sinha. The ceremonial torch relay was performed by four athletes who have excelled in beach sports – Don Remedios (beach football), Payal Parmar (beach volleyball), Ajish Patel and Jalpa Solanki (both tug-of-war).

Manoj Sinha highlighted how Jammu and Kashmir has found its prominence through the Khelo India Beach Games. He said, “It gives me immense pleasure to inform you that the first Khelo India Beach Games 2025, held at this very beach, witnessed an exceptional performance by the players from Jammu and Kashmir. Competing in pencak silat, our athletes brought great pride by securing a total of nine medals.”