The Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) returns for its second edition which will take place from January 5 to 10, 2025. The event will be held at the Blue Flag Ghoghla Beach in Diu, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced. The competition will formally kick off the annual Khelo India competitive calendar.
More than 800 athletes are expected to participate at the Khelo India Beach Games 2026, supported by over 250 support staff and 200+ technical officials and competition managers, representing States and Union Territories across India.
“The inaugural KIBG demonstrated strong national participation, with non-coastal States such as Manipur and Nagaland emerging among the top performers, underscoring inclusive and geography-neutral sporting opportunities”, Mandaviya said.
The Games will be open to all age categories. Athlete nominations are managed by National Sports Federations through national championships and merit-based selections.
Khelo India Beach Games 2026: Featuring Sports
The Games will include six competitive disciplines:
- Beach Soccer
- Beach Volleyball
- Beach Sepak Takraw
- Beach Kabaddi
- Pencak Silat
- Open Water Swimming
Two demonstration sports will also be showcased:
- Mallakhamb
- Tug of War
Also Read: Khelo India Water Sports Srinagar: List Of Exciting Events
Inclusive participation
Highlighting the success of the inaugural edition, Mandaviya noted that non-coastal states such as Manipur and Nagaland emerged among the top performers, reflecting the inclusive and geography-neutral nature of the Games.
The competition will be held in an open age category, with athlete nominations handled by National Sports Federations through national championships and merit-based selection.
The Khelo India Games initiative of the Indian government has enjoyed widespread success with a large number of young athletes taking part.
Khelo India Games Calendar
- Khelo India Winter Games
- Khelo India Para Games (March)
- Khelo India Youth Games (May)
- Khelo India Beach Games (May)
- Khelo India School Games (August to December)
- Khelo India University Games (March–April)
- Khelo India Water Sports (May–June)
- Khelo India North-East Games (May–June)
- Khelo India Tribal Games (September in Chhattisgarh)
- Khelo India Indigenous and Martial Art Games (July–August in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh)
The Khelo India Games calendar is carefully designed from past experiences and incorporates seasonal, regional, and sport-specific factors to improve overall planning and effectiveness. It is also structured to offer greater visibility to sponsors, attract media engagement, and create opportunities for tourism and youth mobilization. States will be approached to express interest in hosting these events, and a common proposal mechanism is being developed to streamline multi-event hosting.
