LG Sinha attends opening ceremony of 2nd Khelo India Beach Games in Diu

STC NEWS DESK
JAMMU, JANUARY 05 (STC): The impact of Khelo India in the history of Indian sports is now clearly visible across the country, said Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday on the inaugural ceremony of the 2nd edition of ‘Khelo India Beach Games’ at the iconic Blue Flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu.
Addressing the grand opening ceremony LG Sinha, while recalling the first Khelo India Beach Games said, “Prime Minister Modi had then envisioned the games as a catalyst for transforming India’s sporting landscape. Today, that vision has become a reality. Under the PM Modi’s leadership we are witnessing a true sports revolution,” he said.
He observed that the power and talent of young athletes—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari—are leading the nation forward. He said that in the coming days, many new role models will emerge from sports, inspiring teamwork and showcasing the strength of India’s youth to the entire world.
Congratulating Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Praful Patel for promoting beach games, the Lieutenant Governor said that today the world knows about Ghoghla Beach because of these initiatives.
“We are committed to empower youth through the power of sports. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India’s youth are redefining sports excellence and scripting a new history from playgrounds to podiums. The young sportspersons are not confined to traditional sports but they are conquering new grounds with sweat, dreams and victory,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the performance of Jammu and Kashmir athletes, LG Sinha said that J&K players won nine medals in the 2025 edition and expressed hope that they would once again make the Union Territory proud. He also announced that the mascot for Khelo India Beach Games 2026 has been named “Pearl.”
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” articulated in 2014, the Lieutenant Governor said that the slogan has been transformed into reality through inclusive development, including in the field of sports. He praised Praful Patel for his role in developing sports infrastructure across the country.
LG Sinha also recalled Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of India, stating that Prime Minister Modi has worked tirelessly to realise that vision.
He said sports will play a pivotal role in building a Viksit Bharat and called upon the youth to take a pledge to make India a global leader.
“Khelo India Beach Games are not just about winning medals; they are a platform to project India’s ‘soft power’ and showcase our coastal tourism potential to the world,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Praful Patel, and the people of the Union Territory for successfully hosting the India’s first-ever multi-sport Beach Games in 2024 and the inaugural edition of the Khelo India Beach Games in 2025. He also extended his best wishes to all the athletes.
The 2026 edition follows the historic success of the inaugural games. Over the next five days, more than 1,300 athletes from 31 states and UTs will be participating in eight disciplines (6 competitive and 2 demonstration) including Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Pencak Silat, & Open water Swimming as Competitive and Beach Mallakhamb & Beach Tug of war as Demonstration.

(Straight Talk Communications)