Triumphant Manipur Tops Medal Tally at Inaugural Khelo India Beach Games

Manipur’s Dominance in Pencak Silat Secures Historic Victory

The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games, held from May 19 to 24, 2025, at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, concluded with Manipur emerging as the overall champions. The northeastern state showcased exceptional prowess, particularly in pencak silat, an Indonesian martial art, clinching the top position in the medal tally.

Manipur’s Stellar Performance

Manipur secured a total of five gold medals, with a remarkable four coming from pencak silat events. The state’s athletes also added six silver medals to their tally, edging out Maharashtra, which also had five golds but only five silvers. This performance underscores Manipur’s strength in martial arts and its commitment to nurturing sporting talent.

Nagaland’s Historic Achievement

Nagaland achieved its best-ever finish in a Khelo India event, securing third place overall. The state matched Manipur’s feat in pencak silat, earning four gold medals in the discipline. Additionally, Nagaland’s women’s sepak takraw team delivered a standout performance, clinching gold in a thrilling final against Haryana.

Diverse Participation and Events

The Games witnessed participation from 811 athletes representing 31 states and Union Territories. Competitions were held across six medal sports: pencak silat, beach sepak takraw, beach soccer, beach volleyball, open sea swimming, and beach kabaddi. Demonstration events included mallakhamb and tug-of-war. Pencak silat emerged as the most medal-rich sport, accounting for 28 of the 46 gold medals awarded.

Other Notable Performances

Maharashtra matched Manipur’s gold tally but fell short in silver medals, placing second overall. Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir shared the fourth position, each securing five golds, one silver, and three bronze medals. Delhi followed closely with four golds, two silvers, and four bronzes. Hosts Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu impressed with four gold and five bronze medals, all in pencak silat, finishing seventh.

Conclusion

The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games highlighted the depth of talent across India’s states, with Manipur’s dominance in pencak silat setting a high benchmark. Nagaland’s historic performance adds to the narrative of the Northeast’s rising prominence in national sports. The success of the Games underscores the potential of beach sports in India’s sporting landscape.