JAMMU, January 05, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the grand opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the Khelo India Beach Games today at the prestigious Blue Flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu.
The event, also attended by Praful Patel, Administrator of the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, commenced with a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who extended his congratulations to the participating athletes and organizers. Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that India is undergoing a sports revolution, driven by a commitment to empower the youth and nurture a robust sporting culture across the nation.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that India’s youth are currently redefining excellence, moving beyond traditional arenas to conquer new grounds in coastal sports. He noted that the Khelo India Beach Games serve as a critical platform for building confidence and leadership among “Gen Z” athletes, preparing them for future success in global tournaments.
According to Sinha, these games are not merely about winning medals but are a strategic project to showcase India’s “soft power” and unlock the massive potential of its coastal tourism to the world.Speaking on the broader impact of sports, Manoj Sinha described the athletes as brand ambassadors for ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, encouraging them to foster national unity and share the unique culture of Diu with their home regions.
He also underscored the environmental significance of the event, stating that the Beach Games serve as a vital reminder of our collective responsibility toward the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. He praised the success of the Union Territory in hosting these multi-sport beach events and expressed pride in Jammu & Kashmir’s active participation in this national movement.
The 2026 edition of the games features more than 1,300 athletes from 31 States and Union Territories. Over the next five days, competitors will face off in eight distinct disciplines, including Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming as competitive sports, alongside Beach Mallakhamb and Beach Tug of War as demonstration events.
The ceremony was attended by prominent sports personalities, senior officials, and a massive crowd of sports enthusiasts, all gathered to witness the rising surge of coastal sports in India.
