Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Goa is gearing up for a promising medal run at the second edition of the Khelo India Beach Games, scheduled in Diu from 5th to 11th January 2026. The event officially commenced on 5th January, bringing together athletes from across India to compete in various beach sports.
The Goan contingent will take part in five disciplines: beach soccer, beach volleyball, sepak takraw, open sea swimming, and pencak silat. The state is targeting podium finishes in key events, including men’s beach soccer, men’s beach volleyball, women’s sepak takraw, men’s and women’s pencak silat, and men’s and women’s swimming.
Goa is sending a total of 32 athletes, supported by seven coaches and managers, to represent the state in these competitions. Officials have expressed confidence that the athletes’ preparation and prior experience will help improve on last year’s performance.
In the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games held in 2025, Goa finished 18th in the overall medal tally, securing three medals. The state had claimed silver in men’s beach soccer and men’s doubles sepak takraw, while earning a bronze in individual women’s pencak silat. Building on that foundation, Goa hopes to achieve a stronger showing this year with multiple medal prospects across both team and individual events.
The participation of Goan athletes across diverse sports reflects the state’s growing emphasis on nurturing talent in non-traditional disciplines, particularly beach and water-based sports. With experience from the previous edition and a focused training regime, Goa is optimistic about climbing the medal rankings at this year’s Khelo India Beach Games.
