Diu, January 6 — The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2026 commenced at Ghoghla Beach with a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said the event has expanded the horizons of Indian sports and created new pathways for talent development. Over 2,100 participants are taking part in the Games, which will run until January 10. The event is organised by the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu under the technical supervision of SAI and national federations.
More than 1,100 athletes are competing across eight disciplines, including beach soccer, volleyball, kabaddi, sepak takraw, pencak silat, open-water swimming, mallakhamb and tug of war, with 32 gold medals at stake in six medal sports. PM Modi praised the Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach as an environmentally conscious venue and highlighted sports as a driver of cultural and grassroots transformation in India.
The Games were officially declared open by J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, who recalled Jammu & Kashmir’s strong medal haul in the 2025 edition. On opening day, hosts DNH & DD defeated Himachal Pradesh 15–1 in men’s beach soccer, while defending champions Kerala beat Karnataka 15–2. The first gold medals will be awarded in the Pencak Silat Tunggal events later in the evening.
