Khelo India Beach Games set to feature about 1000 athletes

With the focus on keeping the youth engaged in sports, the Khelo India Beach Games will be held in Diu, Dadra, Nagar Haveli and Daman from May 19 to 24.

Organised under the Sports Competition and Talent Development section of the Khelo India Scheme, the Beach Games will feature football, volleyball, sepak takraw, kabaddi, Pencak Silat and open water swimming. Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be demonstration sports.

Competition is expected to feature about 1000 athletes from across the country. 

The government is keen to have fixed venues and a fixed calendar for different Khelo India Games to give talented youth maximum opportunity to gain attention, recognition and get on a pathway to progress.

The government is keen to train the best talent across different levels at world-class centres to achieve both the short term and long terms goals of international excellence.

The corporate sector has assured support in a big way. The government has categorically stated that it was not just the financial support that it sought to achieve with the collaboration of the corporate world, but to generate a healthy sports ecosystem in the country.

To further amplify the intent to support sports, the government is understood to be studying the options of allowing persons of Indian origin to represent the country in sports, in line with the stipulations of the international sports federations.

Apart from its drive for, “play for India”, the government is also ready to open its doors to, “play in India”, to encourage smooth conduct of international sports events in the country to further strengthen the ecosystem.

The sports ministry is proactive in resolving the conflicts in various national federations so that the sports could get back on track and make meaningful progress.