Enthusiasm soared on Diu’s beaches during the opening of Khelo India Beach Games, where athletes embraced the gritty challenge of sand-based competitions. From dawn patrols in beach wrestling to sunset sprints in athletics, participants radiated passion for this novel format.
‘Running on sand builds legs of steel,’ enthused long jumper Ravi Kumar from Tamil Nadu. He described the extra resistance as a natural gym, pushing limits in ways turf never could. Volleyball nets buzzed with spikes and dives, players giggling through slips that built resilience.
The event features 13 disciplines, including traditional favorites like kho-kho and innovative ones like beach sepak takraw. Over 1,200 contenders aged 18-25 vie for glory, with state delegations fostering fierce rivalries. Officials emphasized grassroots development, scouting for national team prospects.
Coaches shared strategies: barefoot training for grip, hydration drills against the heat. A female kabaddi raider from Odisha recounted her raid, somersaulting over a sand wall to tag opponents. ‘The beach levels the playing field—pure skill wins.’
Evening ceremonies featured cultural performances, blending sport with heritage. Athletes bonded over shared meals, swapping stories of sandy triumphs. With medals at stake, the games underscore India’s push for diverse sports ecosystems, setting the stage for beach Olympics hopefuls.
