Khelo India Beach Games Show Power of Sports: PM Modi

In a landmark event that marks a turning point in India’s sporting journey, Prime Minister Shri on Monday hailed the Khelo India Beach Games as a “transformative force” in the nation’s sports landscape. Being held for the first time under the Khelo India banner, the Beach Games are taking place at the picturesque Ghoghla Beach in Diu, Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, from May 19 to 24, 2025.

In a message to the Khelo India Beach Games’ organisers and the Sports Authority of India, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the participants and extended his best wishes. He emphasized how sports are no longer just a form of entertainment, but a powerful unifier and a symbol of India’s national pride and youthful aspirations.

“”Blending sun, sand, and sea, the games elevate physical challenges while honoring our rich coastal heritage,” said PM Modi. “As the waves crash and athletes compete, a new chapter in India’s sporting journey is being written.”

A Grand Opening in Diu

The opening ceremony on May 19 was a lively celebration of Indian culture and sportsmanship. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. , officially inaugurated the event. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep; Shri K. Kailashnathan, Lt Governor of Puducherry; and Admiral DK Joshi, Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Dr. Mandaviya spoke with passion, describing the event as the start of India’s first beach sports revolution.

““Where waves crash, passion must rise; where there is sand, enthusiasm should burn bright,” he said. “Under the Modi government, we are not just organizing sports events as formalities — we are on a mission. A mission that connects sports with employment and a fit, developed India.”

Massive Participation and Ambitious Goals

The Khelo India Beach Games 2025 have brought together over 1,350 athletes from more than 30 states and Union Territories, competing in six medal sports:

• Beach Soccer
• Beach Volleyball
• Beach Sepaktakraw
• Beach Kabaddi
• Pencak Silat
• Open Water Swimming

Additionally, two demonstration sports — Mallakhamb and Tug of War — are being showcased, adding a cultural and traditional flavor to the competition.

The Beach Games align with the Khelo India Scheme’s verticals of sports competition and talent development, aiming to promote beach sports and expand their appeal across India’s vast coastline and inland communities.

Strengthening India’s Sporting Ecosystem

Both PM Modi and Dr. Mandaviya underscored the significant efforts made in recent years to boost India’s sports ecosystem. These include:

• Infrastructure investments
• Enhanced training facilities
• Financial and logistical support for athletes
• New domestic competitions to identify and nurture talent

Dr. Mandaviya added that events like the Beach Games demonstrate India’s capability to host international sporting events, reinforcing the country’s commitment to building a fit and athletic future generation.

““This is the first time competitive sports are happening on such a grand scale along India’s beaches. It’s more than just a sports event — it’s a movement,” he said.

Coastal Heritage Meets Athletic Passion

Diu, with its pristine beaches and cultural richness, has provided a picturesque and fitting setting for this historic event. The Prime Minister praised the location as ideal, highlighting how such natural environments challenge athletes while also showcasing India’s coastal beauty and potential as a global sporting destination.

As India continues to build on the Khelo India platform, the introduction of beach sports is not just a diversification of the calendar — it’s a statement of intent. It reaffirms the government’s vision of transforming India into a sporting superpower, where youth from every corner of the country — from the Himalayas to the coasts — can dream, compete, and achieve.

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As the waves roll in and athletes strive for glory, the Khelo India Beach Games are not just making waves — they are building ripples of change that will echo across the future of Indian sports.