The second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 continued to captivate sports enthusiasts on January 7 at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, with Day 3 delivering a mix of intense competitions, inspiring comebacks, and dominant performances across various beach sports. As part of the event running from January 5 to 10, athletes from across India showcased their skills in disciplines like Pencak Silat, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Soccer, Sepaktakraw, and Volleyball. The day saw gold medals awarded, group stage upsets, and personal triumphs that highlight the spirit of grassroots sports development in the country.
Pencak Silat Takes Center Stage with Golden Performances
Pencak Silat, the Indonesian martial art making waves in India, featured prominently with finals in the Ganda (doubles) categories and individual events. In the women’s Ganda double final, Chandigarh’s Simran and Sonia clinched gold by defeating local favorites Anushka Singh and Anshu Kumari from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu with a score of 555-537. Simran, a Punjab Police employee and former Asian Games representative, battled through a meniscus knee injury sustained in the semifinals, taping it up to secure the victory—adding to her bronze in the Tunggal event earlier in the Games. Delhi and Karnataka shared the bronze medals.
On the men’s side, Manipur’s Premchandra Yengkhom and Wahengbam Sudhir Meetei claimed gold in the Ganda final, overcoming Tamil Nadu’s Bose Raja Guru and Selvakumar 555-536. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, along with Madhya Pradesh, took the bronzes.
In a heartwarming individual story, 33-year-old Raja Das from Kolkata won gold by defeating defending champion Prasanna Bendre in a Pencak Silat event. Das, who balances training with helping his father’s ice supply business and coping with the loss of his brother in 2018, has a stellar record including multiple national golds and international top-five finishes. This victory marks a key step toward his dreams of greater international success.
Dominant Displays in Beach Soccer
The hosts, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, shone brightly in the Boys’ Beach Soccer group stage, demolishing Himachal Pradesh 15-1. Captain Jay Nitesh Halpatti led the charge with multiple goals, supported by forwards Keyur Mangela and Don Remedios, while goalkeeper Prayash Raju Halpatti kept things solid at the back. The match saw the hosts lead 2-0 after the first period, explode with eight goals in the second, and add five more in the third.
In women’s Group A, defending champions Odisha booked their semi-final spot with an 8-4 win over Arunachal Pradesh. Gujarat dominated Himachal Pradesh 9-0 in Group B. For the men, Kerala secured their semis berth with a 7-0 thrashing of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, while Karnataka beat Himachal Pradesh 7-3.
Beach Kabaddi: Power and Perseverance
Beach Kabaddi brought high-energy raids and tackles to the sand. In women’s Pool A, Haryana crushed Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 71-5. The men’s Pool A saw the hosts rebound with a 46-32 victory over Andhra Pradesh.
Adding a layer of inspiration, Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) star Shivaji Dadaso Pujari from Kolhapur returned to his roots at the Games. Starting his career at the Khelo India Youth Games, the right-corner defender now competes on sand, noting how the surface builds better balance and endurance. With several PKL players in the mix, the event is elevating the sport’s profile.
Sepaktakraw: Acrobatics and Agility
Day 3 ramped up the intensity in Beach Sepaktakraw with multiple group matches. In women’s Group A, Manipur solidified their semi-final position by defeating Bihar 2-1 and Goa 3-0, while Bihar beat Nagaland 3-0 and Nagaland topped Goa 3-0. Delhi blanked Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 3-0 in Group B.
For the men, Delhi defeated Rajasthan 3-0 in Group A, Bihar edged Nagaland 2-1 and then Rajasthan 3-0. Manipur dominated Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu 3-0 in Group B.
Beach Volleyball Quarterfinals Heat Up
The Volleyball quarterfinals produced lopsided and close contests alike. In women’s action, Tamil Nadu’s Deepika and Pavithra routed Telangana’s Yamini and Rishitha 21-6, 21-2; Swathi and Dharshini edged Divya and Janvi 21-18, 21-18; and Puducherry’s Revathi and Swetha beat teammates Gnanasowendary and Mahalakshmi 21-17, 21-12.
Men’s highlights included Goa’s Sawan and Gauns overcoming Divya Sai and Manikantaraju in a thriller: 22-24, 21-16, 15-12; and Tamil Nadu’s Poonthamizhan and Abhithan dispatching Gujarat’s Sadik and Amardeep Rana 21-12, 21-11.
Medal Tally Update
After Day 3, hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu lead with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze. Chandigarh, Manipur, and West Bengal each hold 1 gold, setting the stage for a competitive remainder of the Games.
Day 3 of the Khelo India Beach Games 2026 was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and emerging talent, blending athletic prowess with personal stories that inspire. As the event progresses, expect more sand-swept drama and medal chases—stay tuned for updates from Diu!
