The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025, held from May 19 to May 24, 2025, in Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHDD), marked a significant milestone in India’s sports journey. Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse lauded the event for promoting grassroots sports and showcasing the transformative power of sports. This event, concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony at the INS Khukri Memorial on May 24, 2025.
A Grand Celebration of Coastal Sports
Hosting Excellence in Diu
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the Union Territory of DNHDD for successfully hosting the first Khelo India Beach Games at Ghoghla Beach. He highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to establish Diu as a hotspot for beach sports, noting the organizers’ efforts in providing athletes with top-notch facilities. The event, attended by over 1,350 athletes from 31 states and Union Territories, featured six medal sports and two demonstration sports, drawing national attention to Diu’s coastal heritage.
Medal Tally and Stellar Performances
Manipur, Maharashtra, and Nagaland Shine
Manipur topped the medal tally with six silvers alongside five golds, primarily in pencak silat, securing the championship. Maharashtra followed in second with five golds and five silvers, while Nagaland achieved a historic third-place finish with five golds and three silvers, marking their first top-three finish in a Khelo India event. DNHDD, with four golds from pencak silat, finished seventh, while Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana each secured five golds. Notable individual performances included Prasanna Narendra Bendre and Kirtana Manojkumar Acharya from DNHDD, who won golds in pencak silat’s tunggal events.
| State/UT | Gold | Silver | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manipur | 5 | 6 | 1st |
| Maharashtra | 5 | 5 | 2nd |
| Nagaland | 5 | 3 | 3rd |
| DNHDD | 4 | 2 | 7th |
Sports and Events
Promoting Diverse Disciplines
The KIBG 2025 featured six medal sports: beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, sepak takraw, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Two demonstration sports, mallakhamb and tug-of-war, showcased India’s traditional sports. Pencak silat, an Indonesian martial art, dominated with 28 of 46 gold medals awarded. Highlights included Tamil Nadu winning both volleyball golds and Odisha’s women’s beach soccer team, led by Jasoda Munda, securing a 3-2 victory over Gujarat.
North-East’s Sporting Prowess
Emerging Talent Hub
Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse praised the North-East’s sporting talent, particularly Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam, for their strong performances. She emphasized the government’s focus on harnessing this potential to elevate India’s global sporting presence. The success of these states in pencak silat and sepak takraw underscores the region’s growing role in the Khelo India mission.
Impact on Tourism and Legacy
Boosting Diu’s Profile
The games highlighted Diu’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with Dr. Arun T, Sports Secretary of DNHDD, noting their potential to boost tourism and promote beach sports among local youth. The infrastructure developed for the event is expected to leave a lasting legacy, enabling future sports events and training opportunities. Athletes like Prasanna Bendre expressed hope that the games would enhance Diu’s economy and sports infrastructure.
Khelo India Mission’s Broader Goals
Strengthening Grassroots Sports
The Khelo India initiative aims to foster a sports culture at the grassroots level, identifying and nurturing talent for international events like the Olympics. Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that beyond medals, the games promote healthy competition and national pride. The inclusion of traditional sports like mallakhamb and diverse disciplines like pencak silat reflects India’s commitment to a vibrant sporting ecosystem.
Key Highlights
- Event Date: Held from May 19 to May 24, 2025, at Ghoghla Beach, Diu.
- Medal Tally: Manipur (1st, 5 golds, 6 silvers), Maharashtra (2nd, 5 golds, 5 silvers), Nagaland (3rd, 5 golds, 3 silvers), DNHDD (7th, 4 golds).
- Sports: Six medal sports including pencak silat (28 golds) and two demonstration sports (mallakhamb, tug-of-war).
- North-East Excellence: Strong performances by Manipur, Nagaland, and Assam in pencak silat and sepak takraw.
- Exam Relevance: Crucial for understanding sports initiatives, grassroots development, and national unity.