Srinagar, August 19, 2025 – The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, set to take place from August 21-23 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, is poised to be a transformative event for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) athletes and the region’s sports tourism. Over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories will compete in this open-age national competition, featuring three medal sports: rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, alongside demonstration events like water skiing, shikara racing, and dragon boat racing. For J&K’s 17-member contingent, this festival represents a golden opportunity to achieve national glory and elevate the region’s profile as a water sports hub.
J&K Athletes Ready to Shine
The J&K team, having undergone a rigorous 21-day training camp at the Water Sports Centre in Nehru Park, is led by athletes like Muhammad Abbas Kand, Irtiza Ali, and Mohsin Ali. Abbas, a Rainawari native with nine state and district medals and experience in seven national events, including the 37th National Games in Goa, is competing in lightweight rowing doubles and aims for a gold medal. “I am hopeful of fetching a gold medal for Jammu and Kashmir. The Games being held at Dal Lake will boost water sports and bring much-needed limelight to athletes like me,” Abbas said.
Irtiza Ali, from Saida Kadal, Srinagar, who won a bronze at the 43rd Junior National Rowing Championships in Chandigarh, is targeting gold in the rowing pairs event. Mohsin Ali, a kayaking prodigy with 15 national medals, is another strong contender, determined to secure a top spot. The team has trained under coaches Parvez Ahmad Shagu and Waseem Raja, ensuring they are primed to compete against India’s best.
A New Era for Dal Lake and J&K
The festival, hosted by the J&K Sports Council, Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, aligns with the Khelo Bharat Niti policy to promote grassroots sports and economic growth. Dal Lake, a global tourism icon, is set to become a national water sports destination, following the success of Gulmarg as a winter sports hub after hosting the Khelo India Winter Games. Bilquis Mir, a renowned canoeing and kayaking athlete and Olympic judge, emphasized, “This is not just an event—it’s the beginning of a new era for water sports in our country
Local stakeholders, including houseboat owners and shikara operators, anticipate significant economic benefits. Muhammad Rafiq Malla, a shikara operator and water sports athlete, noted, “This festival will bring opportunities not only for athletes but also for people living in Dal Lake like me.” The event’s Himalayan Kingfisher mascot and logo, featuring a shikara gliding on Dal Lake, celebrate Kashmir’s cultural heritage, while initiatives like lake deweeding highlight its ecological preservation.
Cultural and Sporting Significance
The festival’s anthem and jingles, blending Kashmiri, Urdu, and Hindi, evoke the region’s beauty and sportsmanship. With over 800 participants, including athletes and officials, the event is expected to showcase J&K’s diverse cultures, from Kashmiri to Dogri, and promote youth engagement. Satish Sharma, J&K’s Minister for Youth Services and Sports, and Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Zadibal, unveiled the mascot, logo, and official kits, with Sadiq stating, “Dal Lake will become the water sports hub of the country.”
The event also features demonstration events to engage spectators, with the shikara sprint expected to be a crowd favourite. Marya Jan, a kayaking and canoeing coach, predicted, “The locals have been training hard and should win a lot of medals,” drawing parallels to Gulmarg’s global recognition.
A Sporting and Cultural Milestone
As Dal Lake prepares to host this landmark event, it will blend sporting excellence with Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. The festival is expected to inspire young athletes, boost tourism, and position J&K as a key player in India’s sporting landscape. With the Zabarwan mountains as a backdrop and the rhythmic splash of oars, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 promises to leave an indelible mark on the region and the nation.
