Khelo India Beach Games Mark a New Chapter in Indian Sports: PM Modi

Diu: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games as a “watershed moment” in the nation’s sporting journey, calling it a celebration of India’s coastal heritage and a reflection of the growing power of sports in uniting and transforming the country. In a message to the event organisers and the Sports Authority of India, he congratulated the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu for successfully hosting the event, and extended his best wishes to all participants.

Describing sports as a “transformative force,” Prime Minister Modi said the choice of Diu as the venue was “fitting” given its blend of sun, sand, and sea. “As waves lash the shores and athletes compete, India will script a new sporting chapter,” he said. He added that events like these reflect the government’s vision of integrating fitness, tradition, and innovation to nurture youth talent.

The Khelo India Beach Games, organised under the ever-growing Khelo India initiative, were formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in a vibrant opening ceremony held on the scenic Ghoghla Beach. The five-day Games will feature over 1,350 athletes from more than 30 states and Union Territories, competing in six medal sports: soccer, volleyball, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencaksilat, and open water swimming. Two additional sports — mallakhamb and tug-of-war — are being showcased as demonstration events.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya declared, “Today, we are not just inaugurating a sports event — we are heralding India’s first beach sports revolution.” He emphasized that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, sports are not being treated as mere ceremonial activities but as strategic missions that align with the vision of a Viksit Bharat. “Where there are waves, there should be passion; where there is sand, there should be a fire of enthusiasm — and the Khelo India Beach Games have ignited that fire in all our hearts,” he said.

Dr. Mandaviya pointed out that the Games are not only about showcasing talent but also about linking sports to employment and opportunity. “Such disciplines as beach volleyball, once viewed casually, now present viable career avenues for the youth,” he said, urging young athletes to see sports as a promising future. He noted that this was the first time competitive beach sports were being organised at such a scale in India.

The opening ceremony, rich with traditional dance performances from across the country, was attended by several dignitaries, including Praful Patel, Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep; K. Kailashnathan, Lt Governor of Puducherry; and Admiral DK Joshi, Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Highlighting the government’s ongoing investment in India’s sports infrastructure, Dr. Mandaviya said the Khelo India programme continues to add new events to the domestic calendar while providing athletes with world-class training facilities and support systems. He reiterated that the government’s aim is not only to encourage domestic participation but also to position India as a credible host for major international sporting events.

The Minister also praised the local administration’s commitment to development, adding that the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu has witnessed significant attention and support in the Modi government’s development agenda. He concluded by stating that India is rapidly becoming a fitness-conscious nation, and sports culture is fast becoming the new normal.