Diu: The inaugural edition of The Beach Games 2024, the first multi-sports beach games in India, concluded with Madhya Pradesh emerging as the overall champion, showcasing outstanding sporting prowess and securing a remarkable tally of 18 medals, including 7 golds. The event, held at the pristine blue flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu, brought together 1404 athletes under the age of 21 from 28 states and Union Territories.
Madhya Pradesh dominated the medal tally with an impressive performance, while Maharashtra secured 14 medals, including 3 golds. Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, and hosts Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Diu & Daman each secured 12 medals. Assam earned 8 medals, with 5 golds, adding to the diversity of medal winners.
In a historic turn of events, Lakshadweep clinched the gold medal in Beach Soccer, defeating Maharashtra 5-4 in a closely contested final. This victory not only marked a significant achievement for the island territory but also highlighted the inclusive and nationwide impact of The Beach Games 2024.
The games, held from January 4-11, featured 205 match officials supporting the athletes in a diverse range of disciplines. The morning and afternoon sessions, structured to optimize athlete performance and enhance the viewing experience, brought strategic showdowns, breathtaking feats, martial artistry, acrobatic displays, fast-paced action, strategic battles, and electrifying kicks and goals to the forefront. The debut of Beach Boxing added an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Anurag Thakur, expressed his support and enthusiasm for the event on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The energy of the athletes and the beauty of Diu has woven a never-before vibe that is enchanting & exhilarating.” He highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to rejuvenate the beaches of Bharat, taking a sporting turn with the organization of the first-ever Beach Games in Diu, off the Gujarat coast.
India, blessed with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, holds 12 Blue Flag-certified beaches promoting sustainable tourism. The successful hosting of The Beach Games in Diu brings heartening news, providing a platform to explore and celebrate the diverse coastal landscapes of the country.
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