Khelo India Beach Games 2026 Gets January 5 Kick-Off at Diu’s Ghoghla Beach

The Khelo India Beach Games will take place from January 5 to 10 at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, as announced by Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

This event will kick off the annual Khelo India competitive calendar. More than 800 athletes, along with over 250 support staff and 200 technical officials, are expected to participate, representing various States and Union Territories across India.

The Games will feature six sports: Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming. Additionally, two demonstration sports, Mallakhamb and Tug of War, will be included. The inaugural edition saw strong participation from non-coastal states like Manipur and Nagaland, highlighting inclusive sporting opportunities.

Inclusive Sporting Opportunities

According to Mandaviya, "The inaugural KIBG demonstrated strong national participation, with non-coastal States such as Manipur and Nagaland emerging among the top performers, underscoring inclusive and geography-neutral sporting opportunities. " The Games will be open to all age categories. Athlete nominations are managed by National Sports Federations through national championships and merit-based selections.

Meanwhile, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative is preparing for its first anniversary on December 21 in Puducherry. Over the past year, more than 50 editions have been held across various locations from Kargil to Kanyakumari and Kokrajhar to Rajnandgaon. The event in Puducherry will see participation from notable figures like Khel Ratna awardees PR Sreejesh and Sharath Kamal.

Fit India Movement's Impact

The Fit India movement has engaged diverse groups including armed forces, doctors, and journalists. Through the Fit India App, participants can earn carbon credits for fitness activities. These credits provide incentives based on accumulation. According to the Sports Ministry, over 20 lakh citizens from nearly 1.63 lakh locations have joined this movement in the past year.

In Puducherry, the anniversary event will also feature the World Cup bronze-winning junior men's hockey team among others. This initiative aims to promote a healthier lifestyle across the nation by encouraging cycling as a regular activity.

The Khelo India Beach Games and Fit India Sundays on Cycle reflect India's growing focus on promoting sports and fitness nationwide. These events not only encourage athletic participation but also foster community engagement through inclusive activities.

With inputs from PTI