Jammu, January 05, 2026: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Monday attended the grand opening ceremony of the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games at the iconic Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu, marking another milestone in India’s expanding sports landscape.
The ceremony was also attended by Shri Praful Patel, Administrator of the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. A special message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was read out on the occasion, conveying his warm greetings and best wishes to the participating athletes and organisers.
Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is witnessing a new revolution in sports, driven by strong institutional support and growing youth participation.
“We are committed to empowering youth through the power of sports. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India’s young athletes are redefining sporting excellence and scripting a new history from playgrounds to podiums,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He added that today’s youth are no longer confined to traditional sports but are excelling in emerging disciplines, including coastal and beach sports.
Highlighting the significance of the event, Shri Manoj Sinha said the Khelo India Beach Games reflect the Government of India’s commitment to nurturing a robust sporting culture and promoting coastal sports across the country. He noted that Jammu and Kashmir is proud to be an active participant in this national sporting movement.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that such platforms help build confidence, discipline and leadership qualities among young athletes, which will contribute to the rise of Gen Z sportspersons on the global stage.
Calling upon the athletes to act as brand ambassadors of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, he urged them to share the warmth, hospitality and rich cultural heritage of Diu with their respective regions. He said the Beach Games are not only about winning medals but also serve as a platform to project India’s soft power and showcase its coastal tourism potential.
The Lieutenant Governor also underlined the importance of environmental sustainability, stating that the Beach Games remind citizens of their shared responsibility to protect coastal ecosystems.
Congratulating Shri Praful Patel and the people of the Union Territory, Shri Manoj Sinha lauded the successful hosting of India’s first multi-sport Beach Games in 2024 and the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games in 2025. He extended his best wishes to all the participating athletes.
The 2026 edition follows the success of the inaugural games, with more than 1,300 athletes from 31 states and Union Territories competing over five days in eight disciplines. Competitive events include Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Pencak Silat and Open Water Swimming, while Beach Mallakhamb and Beach Tug of War feature as demonstration sports.
The opening ceremony was attended by eminent sportspersons, senior officials, prominent citizens, sports enthusiasts and a large number of youth.
