The tranquil waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar are set to host the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 from August 21 to 23. This landmark event marks the first time that Jammu & Kashmir will host a national water sports festival, transforming Dal Lake into a hub of sporting activity and cultural celebration.
More than 400 athletes representing 36 states and Union Territories will compete for 24 gold medals in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. The festival will also feature demonstration events like water skiing, dragon boat races, and Shikara sprints, adding to the spectacle. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 will be the first consolidated Open-age category championships where all 14 kayaking and canoeing events and the 10 rowing events are Olympic events.
The event is organized by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). It aims to promote sports and tourism in the region, aligning with the Khelo Bharat Niti, which also saw the addition of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu earlier in May.
The festival is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, benefiting athletes, coaches, Shikara owners, houseboat operators, and the wider tourism ecosystem. The event is not just about sports; it's a celebration of J&K's culture and ecology.
The selection of athletes for the festival was based on their performance in previous national events. For kayaking and canoeing, the top 15 in singles and doubles and the top eight in fours from the national championships held in Tehri (Uttarakhand) in November were selected. For rowing, the top eight from the nationals held in Bhopal in March were chosen to participate.
Officials and athletes alike are enthusiastic about the festival's potential impact. According to water sports coach Mohammad Imtiaz, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival will make Jammu and Kashmir renowned among water sports athletes across the nation, similar to how the Khelo India Winter Games established Gulmarg as India's winter sports hub. Renowned Olympian and international canoeing judge Bilquis Mir expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and the entire Khelo India team for prioritizing water sports.
The festival has generated considerable excitement among young athletes in Jammu & Kashmir. Mohsin Ali, a state champion and medalist in kayaking, is among those who have pinned their hopes on this event. Sayeema, a water sports coach, believes that the festival will give a major boost to the youth involved in sports in the region.
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is poised to leave a lasting mark on Jammu & Kashmir, promoting sports, tourism, and cultural exchange. As Dal Lake prepares to host this grand event, it is scripting a new chapter in Kashmir's sporting journey, where culture and competition flow together like its timeless waters.
