Srinagar, May 20: The JKUT volleyball beach team registered its first victory by defeating the host team of Daman and Diu in the Khelo India Beach Games by 2-0 sets (score: 21-15, 21-9). Imtiaz and Azahar displayed their excellent skills and demoralised the opponents in this opening match.
It is worth mentioning that, despite the non-existence of infrastructure facilities in J&K, our athletes performed admirably and secured a place among the top eight teams in Indian Beach Volleyball. A contingent of six members, including coach and manager, from JKUT was sent by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Volleyball Association of J&K, following selection trials and a coaching camp at M.A. Stadium, Jammu. Mohammad Tariq and Vijay Magotra were nominated as Coach and Manager, respectively, of the team. It is a matter of pride for JKUT that, following the historic achievement of clinching the gold medal in Volleyball at the Khelo India Youth Games, our players continue to shine—this time in Beach Volleyball at Diu. There is strong hope that they will deliver more surprises in this championship, according to Kuldip Magotra, CEO of the Volleyball Association of J&K, who has also been nominated as a Technical Official by the organisers.
According to Kuldip Magotra: “Khelo India Beach Games 2025, the first-ever edition of its kind, is being held from 19th to 24th May 2025 across the scenic locations of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It was inaugurated yesterday at Diu by the Union Sports Minister, along with a galaxy of dignitaries, including the Lieutenant Governors of Puducherry and Daman & Diu.
“With the tagline Khel ke Sitare, Diu ke Kinare, this multi-sport coastal event aims to showcase emerging talent and promote beach sports in India. The competitive events include Beach Soccer, Beach Volleyball, Sepak Takraw, Beach Kabaddi, Pencak Silat, and Open Water Swimming, hosted at the vibrant Diu beach. Additionally, two traditional demonstration sports—Mallakhamb and Tug of War—will highlight India’s indigenous strength and skill. “Khelo India Beach Games 2025 is more than just a sporting event—it is a celebration of athleticism, culture, and the spirit of coastal India, uniting athletes and fans on the shores where sport meets the sea.”
Beach Volleyball records easy wins
In beach volleyball, the day saw several walkovers and easy wins.
Telangana men’s team received a walkover against Andaman and Nicobar, while Tamil Nadu and Jammu and Kashmir both posted straight-set wins over the host team. In the women’s section, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra all won comfortably, mostly via walkovers, underlining the need for greater depth and preparedness among participating teams. The first edition of the Khelo India Beach Games will conclude on Saturday. The Games feature six medal sports — beach soccer, volleyball, kabaddi, open water swimming, sepak takraw, and pencak silat — along with two demonstration sports, mallakhamb and tug-of-war.
