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MAY 20: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi hailed the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) as a transformative moment for Indian sports and a symbol of youth empowerment, unity, and national pride. In his message to the organisers, the Prime Minister emphasized how the Games, set in the scenic coastal town of Diu, reflect India’s rich coastal heritage and the power of sports to transcend regional and cultural boundaries.
Describing the location as “fitting,” PM Modi said the blend of sun, sand, and sea provides a unique setting for athletes to challenge themselves and showcase their potential. He noted that with each wave that hits the shore and each athlete who competes, India writes a new chapter in its sporting journey.
The Khelo India Beach Games were officially declared open on 19 May 2025 by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, during a vibrant opening ceremony at Ghoghla Beach in Diu. The event featured cultural performances and was attended by several dignitaries, including the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Shri Praful Patel, and Lt Governors of Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Over 1,350 athletes from more than 30 states and Union Territories are participating in the Games, which will conclude on May 24. Six medal sports—beach soccer, volleyball, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencaksilat, and open water swimming—are being contested, alongside two demonstration sports: mallakhamb and tug-of-war.
Dr. Mandaviya declared that the Games represent more than just a sporting event—they mark the beginning of India’s beach sports revolution. “Where there are waves, there should be passion,” he said. “Under PM Modi’s leadership, sports are no longer ceremonial—they are missions of national development.”
He highlighted that Khelo India is not only expanding the domestic sports calendar but also serving as a tool to build careers, improve infrastructure, and show the world that India can host international sports events with excellence.
The inaugural KIBG in Diu demonstrates India’s commitment to making sports accessible, inclusive, and a stepping stone toward a Viksit Bharat.