Srinagar's Dal Lake hosts first-ever Khelo India water games with eyes on talent for Olympics
At least 409 athletes from 36 States and Union Territories (U.T.s) are participating in the water sports events, competing for 24 gold medals over the next three days. Of the 409 participants, 202 are female athletes. Madhya Pradesh has sent the largest contingent of 44 athletes, followed by Haryana (37), Odisha (34), and Kerala (33).
'The waters of the Dal Lake offer the same setting as in Europe. It's going to unmask talent in J&K as well as across the country. Water sports have 16 medals in the Olympics and remain the key to bettering our ranks at the international platform,' Bilquis Mir, who became India's first jury member in the Olympics in 2025, said.
India ranked 71st at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is also the first consolidated open-age category championship, where all 14 kayaking and canoeing events and the 10 rowing events are Olympic events.
Ms. Mir, the Competition Director for the first Khelo India Water Sports Games, termed the holding of the water games in Srinagar as a shot in the arm for local athletes. 'The event will boost water sports in Kashmir and provide a platform to local talent,' Ms. Mir said.
On day one, Mohsin Ali, a local, won gold in the 1,000-metre canoe race. 'I started water sports in 2017, preparing and have been eyeing to win gold. I attended a 20-day special camp under Ms. Mir for the event. My hard practice has earned me the prize,' Mr. Ali said.
Balaji Maradapa, president of the Rowing Federation of India, said the venue chosen for the Khelo India Water Sports is the best thing to happen for local athletes in Kashmir. 'I have been tracking the athletes of Kashmir for many years. They are nice and have a big make. With proper training, local athletes have the potential to top rowing and kayaking in India,' Mr. Maradapa said.
Olympian Arjun Lal Jat, who represented India in 2020 and won a silver medal in the 2023 Asian Games, also sees unattended potential in Kashmir. 'In the coming years, Kashmiri athletes will make it big,' Mr. Jat said.
With athletes coming from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, and other States, Ms. Mir said, 'The course has been prepared keeping all international specifications in mind.'
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is a new addition along the lines of the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu in May this year. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, said, 'The government is committed to providing world-class facilities, training, and platforms like Khelo India to empower athletes nationwide.'
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said water sports and Dal Lake share a special bond. 'Through Khelo India Water Sports, this bond has been given a new colour. You may have heard it many times, but it is true, winning is not everything; participation is most important. We hope we are able to host you well.'
Meanwhile, Ms. Mir said the three-day event will also boost tourism. 'These sportsmen will become ambassadors to the rest of the country,' she said.
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