Delhi. India’s first multi-sports Beach Games “The Beach Games 2024” was held at the Blue Flag certified Ghoghla Beach in Diu. In these games, landlocked Madhya Pradesh emerged as the champion. Madhya Pradesh topped the medal tally with a total of 18 medals including 7 gold. This achievement not only showcased the sporting ability of the Madhya Pradesh team but also highlighted the depth of talent developing within the state.
Maharashtra won 14 medals, including 3 gold, while Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand and hosts Dadra, Nagar Haveli, Diu and Daman won 12 medals each. Assam won 8 medals, of which 5 were gold medals.
In a very interesting development, Lakshadweep won the gold medal in beach soccer, a historic achievement for this ancient island region. They defeated Maharashtra 5-4 in a tightly contested final. Lakshadweep’s win not only adds to the diversity of medal winners but also showcases the inclusive and nationwide impact of Diu Beach Games-2024.
This excellence of sports remained at its peak from 4-11 January. During this period, 1404 athletes under the age of 21 years from 28 states and union territories participated in a variety of sports with the support of 205 match officials.
These games were divided into 2 sessions daily. The morning session started at 8 am and ended at noon, followed by the afternoon session starting at 3 pm. This scheduling not only optimized the athletes’ performance in the appropriate weather, but also provided a unique and engaging visual experience for the enthusiastic spectators.
During this, there were demonstrations of strategic prowess in tug of war, breathtaking feats of sea swimming, martial arts artistry of Penchak Silat, acrobatics of Mallakhamb, fast-paced jumping of beach volleyball, strategic duels of beach kabaddi and lightning agility of beach soccer. Kicks and goals filled the event with a unique energy. The introduction of beach boxing added more excitement to the event. It enthralled both the participants and spectators and became a special moment in the country’s athletic journey.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur expressed his support and enthusiasm for the event on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote, “The energy of the athletes and the beauty of Diu have created an atmosphere never seen before. It is mesmerizing and uplifting.” He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of giving a new lease of life to India’s beaches has taken a new turn with the first-ever Beach Games in Diu, off the coast of Gujarat.
India geographically has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 12 beaches in India have been awarded the Blue Flag certification as the cleanest beaches in the world promoting sustainable tourism. However, many of the country’s beaches are not as visited as they should be. Therefore the successful hosting of Diu Beach Games is a pleasant news.
