First-ever Khelo India Beach Games inaugurated in Diu –
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the first-ever Khelo India Beach Games at Ghoghla Beach in the Union territory of Diu. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Mandaviya said, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several steps have been taken to promote sports in the country.
More than 1000 athletes from across the country will compete in six medal events and two demonstration sports over the next six days. This is the first time the Beach Games are being held under the ever-expanding Khelo India umbrella. The medal events include beach soccer, beach volleyball, beach kabaddi, beach sepak takraw, pencak silat, and open water swimming. Two traditional demonstration sports – mallakhamb and tug-of-war will also be staged during the games. Minister of State for Sports Raksha Khadse, administrator of the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu Praful Patel, along with several top sportspersons, graced the opening ceremony, which showcased rich culture of the region, including Gujarat’s folk dance Garba. The games will culminate on Saturday.
