Srinagar, July 12, 2025 – In a historic milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, Bilquis Mir, a trailblazer in Indian water sports and the country’s first woman Olympic jury member (Paris 2024), has been appointed as the Competition Director for the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Games (KIWSG). The event is scheduled to take place from August 21 to 23, 2025, at the iconic Dal Lake and other selected venues in Srinagar.
The nomination, formally conveyed by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA), recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, underscores Mir’s distinguished career and leadership in water sports. The IKCA has requested the J&K Youth Services and Sports Department to make Mir’s services available for this prestigious national-level championship.
The three-day Khelo India Water Sports Games will feature kayaking, canoeing, rowing, water skiing, shikara racing, and dragon boat racing, with over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories expected to participate. The event, part of the Khelo India initiative, aims to promote grassroots participation and nurture emerging talent, placing Srinagar on the national map for water-based adventure and sporting excellence.
Bilquis Mir, a pioneer in Indian water sports, expressed her commitment to the role, stating, “I will continue to serve this land through sports, with sincerity and vision.” Her appointment has been widely celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir, with officials and athletes hailing it as a testament to women’s leadership in Indian sports.
Preparations for the Games are underway, with senior competition officials, including Mir (Canoeing and Kayaking) and Saji Thomas (Rowing), conducting a venue recce to ensure world-class standards. Prashant Kushwaha, President of IKCA, praised Mir’s experience, noting, “Her leadership will be invaluable in ensuring the Games are conducted at the highest standard.”
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival marks the fifth Khelo India event of 2025, following the Winter Games in Ladakh and J&K, the Para Games in Delhi, the Youth Games in Bihar and Delhi, and the Beach Games in Diu. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to expanding the Khelo India program to promote diverse sports and foster inclusivity across India.
