Introduction
In January 2026, the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) concluded at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, within the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNHDD). Karnataka emerged as the overall champion, leading a field of over 1,100 athletes representing 30 states and Union Territories. The event, held from January 5 to January 10, featured six competitive medal disciplines and two demonstration sports. Karnataka’s victory was anchored by a dominant performance in Open Water Swimming, while Tamil Nadu and Manipur secured the second and third positions, respectively.
Event Overview and Logistics
The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 served as the second iteration of India’s national multi-sport beach competition. Following the inaugural edition held in May 2025 at the same venue, the 2026 games reinforced the status of Ghoghla Beach as a primary hub for coastal athletics in India.
Dates: January 5–10, 2026
Location: Ghoghla Beach, Diu (UT of DNHDD)
Edition: 2nd
Mascot: 'Pearl', a lively dolphin designed to welcome athletes and stakeholders.
Participation: Over 1,100 athletes from 30 different states and Union Territories.
Organizational and Strategic Framework
The KIBG 2026 is a component of the broader Khelo India initiative, a program launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to cultivate and promote grassroots sports across the country.
Organizing Body: The Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNHDD) organized the event.
Technical Supervision: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) provided technical oversight in coordination with various national sports federations.
Ministry Leadership: The initiative is overseen by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya (Porbandar, Gujarat) and Minister of State Raksha Khadse (Raver, Maharashtra).
Competition Structure and Disciplines
The games featured a mix of traditional beach sports and demonstration events intended to showcase regional athletic traditions.
Medal Events
Beach Volleyball
Beach Soccer
Sepak Takraw
Beach Kabaddi
Pencak Silat
Open Water Swimming
Demonstration Events
Mallakhamb
Tug-of-War
Results and Performance Analysis
Karnataka’s rise to the top of the medal table was characterized by high-efficiency scoring in specific disciplines, particularly swimming. While Tamil Nadu and Haryana matched or approached Karnataka in total medal count, Karnataka’s superior gold medal distribution secured the championship.
Top 5 State/UT Medal Tally
Rank | State/UT | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
1 | Karnataka | 3 | 2 | 6 | 11 |
2 | Tamil Nadu | 3 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
3 | Manipur | 3 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
4 | Madhya Pradesh | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
5 | Haryana | 2 | 4 | 2 | 8 |
Discipline Highlights
Open Water Swimming: Karnataka achieved total dominance in this category, winning all three available gold medals. Ashmita Chandra was a standout performer, securing gold in both the women’s 5 km (finishing in 1:35:11) and 10 km events. Dhrupad Ramakrishna contributed by winning the men’s 5 km gold.
Sepak Takraw: Manipur demonstrated strength in this discipline, winning the women's gold medal by defeating West Bengal 2-0. In the men's category, Tamil Nadu claimed gold after a 2-1 victory over Manipur.
Pencak Silat: Madhya Pradesh’s performance was exclusively focused on this discipline. All five of the state's medals were earned in Pencak Silat, including three of the 16 gold medals awarded in the category.