Ghogla beach

The Khelo India Beach Games: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated the transformative power of sports in a special message on Monday as the second edition of Khelo India Beach Games got off to a colourful start at the Ghoghla Beach in Diu, which is wearing a festive look with the Games' mascot ‘Pearl’ – the happy and energetic dolphin – welcoming athletes, support staff, volunteers and all stake holders.

“As the nation moves steadily towards the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, our youth stand at the forefront of this journey. Opportunities now span every sphere, whether sports or science, academics or administration, space or start-ups. This is creating an ecosystem where aspiration is matched by access,” said PM Modi in his message to the Games, featuring over 2100 participants from across the nation, which will conclude on January 10.

The Khelo India Beach Games, organised by the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, is being held under the technical supervision of the Sports Authority of India and national sports federations and will see more than 1,100 athletes compete in eight different sports -- volleyball, soccer, sepak takraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, Open water swimming, mallakhamb, and tug-of-war. The first six will be medal sports, and 32 gold medals will be up for grabs.