Once again, Bengal has made its mark on the nation's soil. Raja Das from Bengal won gold at the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu. The gold came through his performance in Pencak Silat. This is Bengal's first medal in the ongoing Khelo India Beach Games. Apart from Pencak Silat, a Sepak Takraw team from Bengal has also participated in this year's Khelo India Beach Games.
The Khelo India Beach Games will run from January 5 to January 11. This is the second year. It is being organized at Ghoghla Beach in Diu. The organizer is SAI. This year, a total of 1,400 athletes have participated in the Beach Games. Bengal has participated in two events. So far, one medal has come from there. In Pencak Silat, men's and women's teams have participated in a total of 16 categories combined. There are more than 180 competitors.
Raja Das's podium finish
The Pencak Silat competition will continue for four days – January 6, 7, 8, and 9. There, Raja Das won a medal for Bengal's six-member team. He participated in the men's Tunggal category. Raja competed as a single performer this time. With this, Raja has won medals in two consecutive editions. In the last Beach Khelo India, Raja had won silver, and this time he won gold.
This year's Khelo India is special for Raja. Because all six participants from Bengal this time are from Raja's academy. Along with his own sport, Raja Das runs the Central Kolkata Pencak Silat Sports Association, from where six people competed this time. They participated in Ganda events, Regu, and Fighting categories.
Raja at the event
In the Tunggal category, along with Raja, Prasanna Bindre from Daman and Diu won the medal (silver). Abhishek Kumar Gautam from Delhi and Srikanth V from Tamil Nadu. These two won bronze. Along with the medal, there is a figurine of Pearl, this year's Khelo India mascot.
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After winning gold at the Beach Khelo India, in an interview given to Ei Samay Online from Diu, Raja Das said, "This is a matter of pride. I won silver for the first time and gold for the second time at the Khelo India Beach Games. It wouldn't have been possible without everyone's blessings. I hope to receive blessings from the Chief Minister. We will send a report to the Chief Minister, we will email."
Raja at the event
However, despite winning a medal for Bengal, Raja has only one demand – financial assistance. Three events are coming up ahead. In 2026, there are the Asian Championship and Asian Martial Art Games. In 2027, there are the National Games. Raja said, "To play in the Asian Championship and National Games, each game costs 3 lakh rupees. If that can be obtained, it would be somewhat helpful."
