India’s coastline will be the venue for the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 in Diu from January 5 to 10, featuring over 1,300 athletes from across the country. Athletes from 31 States and Union Territories will participate in disciplines like Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Beach Sepaktakraw, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming.
The Games will see 786 athletes competing, with a balanced gender participation of 366 women and 420 men. Various disciplines will have different athlete numbers, with Beach Sepaktakraw having 263 athletes, Beach Pencak Silat with 157, Beach Soccer with 156, Beach Kabaddi with 96, Beach Volleyball with 64, and Open Water Swimming with 50 participants.
Alongside competitive events, traditional sports like Mallakhamb and Tug of War will be showcased as non-competitive demonstrations, emphasizing India’s rich sporting heritage. Athletes from coastal and landlocked regions will participate, showcasing a diverse representation from states and Union Territories like Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Manipur, Chandigarh, Puducherry, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
The Games aim not only for medals but also to promote emerging beach disciplines, encourage youth participation, and foster community pride and sustainable sports development. The Khelo India Beach Games 2026 seek to blend competition, culture, and celebration, turning Diu into a hub of athletic excellence.
