Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya lauded the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DHNDD) for successfully hosting the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025, which concluded on May 24 at the INS Khukri Memorial in Diu.
Congratulating the organizers, Mandaviya praised the efforts in creating a supportive environment for athletes and highlighted Modi’s vision of establishing Diu as India’s beach sports hub. He congratulated Manipur for topping the medal tally, Maharashtra for finishing second, and Nagaland, which marked its first podium finish in a Khelo India event.
Over 800 athletes from 31 states and UTs competed in six medal sports, including pencak silat, beach volleyball, soccer, kabaddi, sepak-takraw, and open sea swimming. Non-medal demonstration events included Mallakhamb and Tug-of-War.
Mandaviya emphasized that in sports, “you either win or learn,” and commended Jammu & Kashmir and DHNDD for their dedication to nurturing sports talent.
Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Raksha Nikhil Khadse called the Beach Games a “new era” in grassroots sports, emphasizing how they spotlight lesser-known beach and water sports. She celebrated the North East’s growing sporting presence, citing the performances of Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam as proof of the region’s vast potential.
The event marked the first time beach games were held under the Khelo India scheme, aimed at broadening the scope and popularity of beach sports across the nation.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
