Jan 05 : Asserting that the Khelo India initiative has emerged as a turning point in the history of Indian sports, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said that its impact is now clearly visible across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Addressing the grand opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the ‘Khelo India Beach Games’ at the iconic Blue Flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu, 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.LG Sinha 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.
“Today, Bharat is establishing its supremacy in almost every field of sports, strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor added.LG Sinha highlighted that the spectacular Khelo India Beach Games event reflects the Government of India’s commitment to nurture a strong sporting culture and India’s Youth Surge in Coastal Sports.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the Jammu & Kashmir is proud to be an active participant in this national sporting movement.These games will build confidence and leadership that will spur rise of Gen Z athletes in global tournaments, he further saidThe Lieutenant Governor called upon the athletes to act as brand ambassadors for ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and share the warm hospitality and priceless culture of Diu with their respective regions.“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.He said the Beach Games also remind us of our shared responsibility towards environmental sustainability and the preservation of our coastal ecosystems.”Sports unite people beyond caste, religion, and region. Let us make these games a success through the power of unity and work towards making India a world-class sporting power,” 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.
Eminent sports personalities, senior officials, prominent citizens from different walks of life, sports enthusiasts and youth in large number attended the opening ceremony.
