Says Khelo India a Game-Changer for Indian Sports
Jammu Tawi, Jan 5: 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 its impact is now clearly visible across the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing the grand opening ceremony of the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games at the iconic Blue Flag-certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the first edition of the event and said that Prime Minister Modi had envisioned the Games as a catalyst for transforming India’s sporting landscape. “Today, that vision has become a reality. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we are witnessing a true sports revolution in the country,” he said.
LG Sinha observed that the talent and determination of young athletes—from Kashmir to Kanyakumari—are driving the nation forward. He said many new role models will emerge from the sports arena, inspiring teamwork and showcasing the strength, discipline, and confidence of India’s youth to the world.
Congratulating the Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Praful Patel, for promoting beach sports, the Lieutenant Governor said initiatives like the Khelo India Beach Games have brought global recognition to Ghoghla Beach. “Today, the world knows Ghoghla Beach because of such sporting initiatives,” he remarked.
Emphasising the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports, LG Sinha said that India’s young sportspersons are not limited to traditional disciplines but are excelling in new and emerging sports as well. “From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India’s youth are redefining sporting excellence and scripting a new history from playgrounds to podiums,” he said.
Highlighting the performance of athletes from Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor noted that players from the Union Territory won nine medals in the 2025 edition of the Games. He expressed confidence that they would once again make the region proud in the current edition. On the occasion, he also announced that the mascot for the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 has been named “Pearl.”
Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, articulated in 2014, LG Sinha said the slogan has been translated into action through inclusive development across sectors, including sports. He praised Praful Patel for his contribution to strengthening sports infrastructure and creating new opportunities for athletes across the country.
The Lieutenant Governor said sports would play a crucial role in building a Viksit Bharat and urged the youth to take a pledge to make India a global leader. “Today, Bharat is establishing its presence in almost every field of sports, strengthening the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” he added.
He said the Khelo India Beach Games reflect the Government of India’s commitment to nurturing a strong sporting culture and promoting coastal sports. LG Sinha also highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, noting that the Games remind everyone of their shared responsibility to protect and preserve coastal ecosystems.
Calling upon the athletes to act as brand ambassadors of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, the Lieutenant Governor urged them to share the culture and hospitality of Diu with people from their respective regions. He congratulated the UT administration and people of Daman and Diu for successfully hosting India’s first multi-sport Beach Games and extended his best wishes to all participating athletes.
The 2026 edition of the Games follows the success of the earlier editions and will see over 1,300 athletes from 31 states and Union Territories competing in eight disciplines over the next five days.
