By 
Srinagar, May 25: Jammu and Kashmir delivered an exceptional performance at the Khelo India Beach Games 2025, securing a total of nine medalsโfive gold, one silver, and three bronzeโearning widespread appreciation from officials and sports lovers alike.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, praised the J&K contingent for their unwavering commitment to fostering sportsmanship and excellence during the grand closing ceremony held at the INS Khukri Memorial in Diu.
Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, described the event as a milestone for Indian sports, noting that the young athletes brought energy and brilliance to the shores of Diu, marking a new chapter in Indian athletics.
J&K athletes left a strong mark in several disciplines. The team claimed the overall championship in menโs pencak silat and secured third place in the womenโs category. These achievements played a vital role in J&K finishing fourth among 30 participating states and union territoriesโa notable accomplishment in national multi-sport events.
Held at Ghoghla Beach in Diu, the Games featured more than 1,350 athletes competing in six medal sportsโbeach soccer, volleyball, sepaktakraw, kabaddi, pencak silat, and open water swimmingโalongside demo events such as mallakhamb and tug-of-war.
Gold medals were won by Saaliq Farooq, Adeeba Gulzar, Muskan Shaban, Sajad Beigh, and Tawzeeh Mujeeb. Jibran Masood earned silver, while bronze went to Ravees Ahmad, Ruqaya Manzoor, and Sarfaraz Ali. The J&K beach volleyball team also performed admirably, defeating teams from Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, as well as Chhattisgarh. The team was led by the Divisional Sports Officer and supported by the J&K Sports Council.
J&Kโs Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, congratulated the athletes and coaches, emphasizing the governmentโs commitment to making the region a hub for sports excellence. He highlighted the importance of improved infrastructure and consistent coaching in achieving success at the national level.
Secretary of Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, also lauded the teamโs efforts and thanked Dr. Mandaviya for his continued encouragement. Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, applauded the achievements, stating that J&K is steadily progressing toward becoming a powerhouse in Indian sports.
