Union Sports Minister declares KIBG 2025 open at Diu
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (J&K UT) volleyball beach team registered its first victory by defeating the host team of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu in Khelo India Beach Games by 2-0 sets (score 21-15 ,21-9).
Imtiaz and Azahar displayed their excellent skills and demoralised the opponents in this opening match. It’s worth mentioning that despite non-existent of infra structure facilities in J&K, our athletes performed well and got recognition in first 8 teams of Indian Beach Volleyball.
Besides Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Telangana teams to compete in Beach Volleyball.
A contingent of 6-players including coach and Manager from J&K UT has been sent by J&K Sports Council in collaboration with Volleyball Association of J&K after selection of trials/coaching camp at M A Stadium Jammu.
Mohd Tariq and Vijay Magotra have been nominated as Coach and Manager respectively of the team.
Kuldip Magotra, CEO Volleyball Association of J&K, who has been nominated as Technical official by the organisers in this championship, said, “It’s matter of pride for J&K UT after historic achievement of volleyball game in Khelo India Youth Games by clinching gold medal, our J&K UT players are consecutively shining in Beach Volleyball at Diu and hope to give all of us a good surprise in this championship.”
“Khelo India Beach Games 2025 first ever edition of its kind from 19th to 24th May 2025 across the scenic locations of Daman & Diu and Dadar & Nagar Haveli with the tagline ‘Khel Ke Sitare Diu Ke Kinare’ aimed to showcase emerging talent & promote beach sports in India,” Kuldip Magotra said adding that Khelo India Beach Games 2025 is more than sporting event it is a celebration of athleticism culture and the spirit of coastal India uniting athletes & fans on the shores where sport meets the sea.”
Earlier, the Beach Games, held under the ever-expanding Khelo India umbrella for the first time, were formally declared open by Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in a colourful ceremony on the Ghoghla Beach, the venue of the Games in Diu.
The Khelo India Beach Games have brought together more than 1,350 athletes from over 30 states and Union Territories. On May 24, when the Games are scheduled to end, athletes would have competed in six medal sports – soccer, volleyball, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencaksilat and open water swimming. Mallakhamb and tug-of-war are the two non-medal (demonstration) disciplines.
“In a nation as diverse as ours, sports have always held a unique power that unites cultures, regions and languages. The vibrant energy of sports goes beyond entertainment and has become a transformative force, symbolizing national pride and aspirations of our youth. It is in this context that the Khelo India Beach Games hold a greater significance,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his message.
The nicely-crafted opening ceremony, glorifying India’s amazing diversity in traditional dance forms, was witnessed among other by several dignitaries, including Administrator of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep Praful Patel, Lt Governor of Puducherry K. Kailashnathan and Admiral DK Joshi, Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
“Today, we are not just inaugurating a sports event, we are heralding India’s first Beach sports revolution! I believe that where there are waves, there should be passion; where there is sand, there should be a fire of enthusiasm – and the Khelo India Beach Games have ignited that fire in all our hearts today,” said Dr Mansukh Mandaviya.
He added: “Under the Modi government, we do not organize events just as a formality – we are on a mission. And this mission connects sports to employment. For a Viksit Bharat, Khelo India is a sure pathway for youth to achieve their dreams.”
Saying that Khelo India has added more Games to the domestic calendar, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, like PM Modi, highlighted how over the last few years, the government spared no effort to boost the sporting ecosystem through investments in infrastructure, better training facilities and supportive measures for sportspersons.
Dr Mansukh amplified this saying new Games are a way to “strengthen the domestic sports infrastructure and send a strong message to the world that India is capable of hosting international sporting events of any scale.”
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said the Khelo India Beach Games should not be seen as a “casual” affair. “Such sports like beach volleyball not only appeal to the youth as a hobby but also offer them career opportunities. This is the first time that competitive sports are being held on such a large scale on the beaches of India,” he added.
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said India was becoming a fitness conscious nation and a culture of sports has become the “new normal”. He also highlighted the strong commitment that the government has for the Union Territory.