Overview
- The six-day event runs January 5–10 with more than 1,300 athletes representing 31 states and union territories.
- Competition features six medal disciplines plus two demonstration events, with Mallakhamb and Tug of War showcased alongside the medal programme.
- Organisers report 786 entries across medal sports—366 women and 420 men—including 263 in sepak takraw, 157 in pencak silat, 156 in soccer, 96 in kabaddi, 64 in volleyball and 50 in open water swimming.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message lauding the Games’ role in nurturing talent, and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha declared the event open after a ceremonial torch relay.
- Opening-day results included Odisha beating Maharashtra 11–3 and Himachal Pradesh defeating the hosts 7–5 in women’s beach soccer, with Maharashtra winning comfortably in both men’s and women’s beach kabaddi.