Diu, 11 January (H.S.): In the coastal and tribal-dominated Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNHDD), beach soccer has emerged as a powerful platform for young athletes to seize opportunities and express themselves.

Targeted initiatives by the UT administration in recent years have significantly bolstered sports development, with beach soccer receiving particular momentum.

Arun Gupta, Director-cum-Joint Secretary (Youth Affairs & Sports) for Khelo India Beach Games 2026, revealed that world-class sports infrastructure is under development across all three districts to nurture emerging talent, providing institutional backing for disciplines like beach soccer.

DNHDD beach football coach Preet Bhatt noted a sharp surge in interest over the past three years. He credited national platforms like Khelo India Beach Games for enabling local players to test themselves at elite levels, boosting confidence and fostering comprehensive sports culture growth in the region.

Bhatt detailed the selection process: players undergo district-level trials for shortlisting, followed by specialized and intensive training, culminating in the final squad of 12-15 athletes.He emphasized that Under-10, Under-12, School Games, and Subroto Cup tournaments serve as crucial early identification and long-term development platforms.

Given the territory's substantial tribal population, these sports initiatives have played a pivotal role in connecting tribal youth with organized competitive athletics.Bhatt underscored that primarily local coaching setups have strengthened development efforts.

Local coaches better understand players' social and geographical contexts, rendering training more effective and results-oriented. He affirmed beach soccer's promising future in DNHDD, underpinned by streamlined selection systems, institutional training support, and regular competitions now firmly established.

These initiatives' impact manifests in national performances. The men's team secured a resounding 15-1 victory over Himachal Pradesh, while gaining valuable experience against formidable opponents.

Similarly, the DNHDD women's team displayed grit. Regardless of outcomes, both squads garnered invaluable high-intensity competitive exposure at Khelo India Beach Games 2026.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar