PM Narendra Modi hailed the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) as a landmark in India’s sporting journey, calling it a transformative initiative that reflects the unifying and empowering power of sports. In a message to the organisers and the Sports Authority of India, he said the event would become a key feature in India’s sports calendar and praised Diu as a fitting venue that highlights coastal heritage.
The Games, held under the Khelo India banner for the first time, were inaugurated by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya at Ghoghla Beach, Diu. Over 1,350 athletes from 30+ states and UTs are participating in six medal events, including beach volleyball, kabaddi, and open water swimming, along with two demonstration sports.
Mandaviya described the event as the start of India’s first beach sports revolution, highlighting the government’s mission to connect sports with youth development, employment, and infrastructure growth. He reiterated that sports were now a serious career path and part of a growing national fitness culture.
