Srinagar’s Dal Lake Hosts First-Ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival

Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 was held in Dal Lake in Srinagar and included rowing, kayaking and canoeing. There are approximately 409 participants who are representing 36 States and Union Territories based in three days in the quest of claiming 24 gold medals. The biggest contingent was sent in by Madhya Pradesh and after her came Haryana, Odisha, and Kerala. The purpose of the event will be to find talents to participate in future Olympics because water sports have 16 Olympic medals. Even the local athletes such as Mohsin Ali have already shown results by winning on the first day of the competition in canoeing.

Context 

• India is ranked 71st in the Paris Olympics in 2024 making it necessary to introduce new talent in sports.

• Water sports are one of the promising areas that have not been exploited in India even though they can yield 16 medals at the Olympics.

• The event held in Dal Lake promotes sports culture and tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.

Key Points

The magnitude of participation

• 409 participants (202 female) participated in it (36 States/UTs).

• There are 24 gold medals on offer (14 in kayaking & canoeing and 10 in rowing).

• The largest contingents of candidates were: Madhya Pradesh (44), Haryana (37), Odisha (34) and Kerala (33).

The role of Dal Lake

• Dal Lake offers European type waters, and is best suited to attract international standard races.

• Khelo India is hosting the First consolidated open-age championship.

• Increases local participation of the athletes and promotes tourism.

The role of Key Personalities

• Bilquis Mir (India first Olympic jury member, Competition Director): it is a boost to the sporting activities in Kashmir.

• Mohsin Ali (local athlete): he won gold in the 1,000m canoe race on Day 1.

• Balaji Maradapa (Rowing Federation President): appraised potential of kashmiri athletes.

• An incomplete list of Olympian Arjun Lal Jat: he predicted a big future in rowing to Kashmiri rowers.

Government and and Institutional Push

• MoS Sports: Govt determined to provide world class training facilities.

• The latter stressed the link between sports and tourism, and the spirit of participation as indicated by J&K CM Omar Abdullah.

• It is in line with Khelo India Beach Games (Diu, May 2025) model.

Conclusion 

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake becomes a stepping stone in popularising Olympics-standard water sports in India. There is good participation and international quality facilities which is an indication as to how Kashmir can become the sports hub. The event does not only develop or nurture local and national talent, but goes on to promote tourism and the cultural pride within the region.