Srinagar, August 13, 2025 – Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting on August 12, 2025, with senior officials from the civil administration and police to finalize preparations for the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025, set to take place on Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake from August 21 to 23. The event, organized by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, aims to promote water sports and showcase Kashmir’s tourism, art, and cultural heritage.
A Grand Showcase
Describing the festival as a unique opportunity to project Kashmir’s charm on a national stage, Dulloo emphasized transforming the event into a celebration of local tourism, handicrafts, and culture. He directed the Handicrafts & Handloom Department to organize top-tier exhibitions to highlight the region’s craftsmanship for the expected 800 athletes and officials from 28 States and Union Territories. The festival’s timing, coinciding with Srinagar’s peak tourist season, offers a chance to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Event Details and Sports
The three-day KIWSF 2025 will feature five water sports disciplines: Kayaking, Canoeing, Rowing, Water Skiing, and a unique Shikara Race, with Dragon Boat racing as a demonstration sport. Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, highlighted the goal of positioning Srinagar as the “Sports Capital of India” and making the festival an annual event, building on the success of five Khelo India Winter Games editions.
Robust Preparations
Dulloo reviewed venue readiness, sports infrastructure, athlete accommodations, security arrangements, and branding strategies. Departments including Tourism, Power Development, Jal Shakti, Traffic, Hospitality & Protocol, Civil Aviation, Lakes and Waterways Management Authority (LCMA), Health, and Fire & Emergency Services were instructed to execute their roles with utmost efficiency. Security measures align with heightened protocols for Independence Day 2025, overseen by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, ensuring a safe environment.
Cultural and Tourism Integration
Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, detailed an elaborate opening ceremony featuring a drone light show, traditional folk dances, celebrity performances, and stalls showcasing Kashmiri cuisine, art, and Self-Help Group products. A Kashmiri Kingfisher mascot and a logo depicting a Shikara against mountain backdrops symbolize the blend of nature and heritage. Coordination committees and dedicated State Liaison Officers (SLOs) for each team ensure seamless facilitation.
Broader Impact
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced the festival as a testament to the government’s commitment to expanding sports opportunities, with over 400 athletes expected to compete in this open-age event. The KIWSF aims to expose emerging talent and prepare them for international competitions, boosting India’s standing in water sports.
With robust planning and a focus on showcasing Kashmir’s beauty, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is poised to be a landmark event, blending athletic excellence with cultural vibrancy.
