Goa, Gujarat, Kerala win big at Beach Games

Diu

The first-ever Khelo India Beach Games 2025 kicked off on Monday at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, with beach soccer opening the action. Goa defeated Rajasthan 13-9 in the boys’ opening game, setting the tone for coastal dominance on day one.

Goa’s experience with sand and sea showed clearly against Rajasthan, a non-coastal state. Rajasthan's team manager Hari Om admitted that practicing on trucked-in sand back home was no match for the natural beach. He emphasized the need to improve stamina and hydration, after one player fell sick during the match.

Despite challenges, non-coastal teams stayed competitive. Uttar Pradesh’s girls team, for example, won their opening match against Rajasthan. However, their coach Mukesh Kumar Sabberwal noted concerns about facing coastal teams, as they normally train on grass, not sand.

Goa’s goalkeeper and captain Pratik Kankonkar expressed confidence, saying his team feels naturally at ease on the beach. He admitted they expected an even bigger win against Rajasthan.

In beach soccer, each team has five players, and matches are played in three 12-minute periods. Eight states are competing in each of the boys’ and girls’ categories, split into two pools. The top two from each pool will enter the semifinals. Coastal states like Goa, Kerala, and Gujarat made strong starts, while non-coastal states remain determined.