Srinagar, August 14, 2025 – The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025 made a vibrant splash today with the unveiling of its official mascot, the Himalayan Kingfisher, in Srinagar. Set to take place from August 21-23 at the iconic Dal Lake in Jammu & Kashmir, the festival promises to be a grand showcase of adventure, nature, and competition, embodying the spirit of the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.The Himalayan Kingfisher, with its striking orange and blue plumage, was chosen as the mascot to symbolize energy, tranquility, and the breathtaking allure of Kashmir. “The Himalayan Kingfisher embodies the spirit of adventure, nature, and competition in the Games,” stated a press release from the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Beyond its symbolic role, the mascot serves as an ambassador for eco-friendly sports, tourism, and youth engagement across India.
The festival, part of the expanding Khelo India calendar, will feature over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories competing in medal events such as rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Demonstration events, including water skiing, shikara race, and dragon boat race, will add to the excitement, showcasing the diversity of water sports against the serene backdrop of Dal Lake. This marks Jammu & Kashmir’s second Khelo India event, following the Khelo India Winter Games hosted in Gulmarg earlier this year in March.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by J&K Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma and Zadibal MLA Tanvir Sadiq, also revealed the festival’s logo and official kits. The logo captures the essence of Kashmir, featuring a shikara gliding across Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees, with Khelo India colors uniting tradition, nature, and the energy of sport.“Gulmarg has already become the winter games capital of the country, and now Dal Lake will emerge as the water sports hub of India,” said MLA Tanvir Sadiq, highlighting the event’s significance for Jammu & Kashmir.
“This is a proud moment for the people of the region.”Hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India, the KIWSF 2025 aims to promote water sports while boosting tourism and youth engagement in Kashmir. The event follows the success of the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu in May, further expanding the Khelo India initiative’s reach.As preparations intensify, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo recently chaired a high-level meeting to ensure seamless arrangements, describing the festival as a unique opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s charm on a national platform.With the Himalayan Kingfisher soaring as its vibrant mascot, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is poised to make waves, celebrating athletic excellence, eco-conscious sports, and the timeless beauty of Dal Lake in Jammu & Kashmir.
