SRINAGAR, August 22, 2025 — Honourable Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the historic Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 at the iconic Dal Lake, marking a significant milestone for Jammu & Kashmir as a hub for national sports and tourism. The three-day event, organized by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and J&K Sports Council, commenced on August 21 and will continue until August 23, showcasing the region’s vibrant sports culture and natural beauty.The festival, a celebration of Jammu & Kashmir’s rich culture and ecology, features over 800 athletes from 28 States and Union Territories competing in competitive sports events such as rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, with 24 medals up for grabs. Additionally, demonstration events including shikara sprints, dragon boat racing, and water skiing add to the festive atmosphere.
The event’s mascot, inspired by the Himalayan Kingfisher, symbolises adventure, energy, and a deep connection to nature.In his address at the opening ceremony held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convocation Centre (SKICC), Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended a warm welcome to the athletes and officials, emphasising the event’s role in projecting Jammu & Kashmir as the Water Sports Capital of India. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing Srinagar the opportunity to host this inaugural festival. “The participation of athletes from across the country sends a strong message of peace, normalcy, and progress in J&K,” Sinha stated, highlighting the transformation of the region’s youth from street protests to stadium successes.
Sinha urged participants to become ambassadors of the new Jammu & Kashmir, noting, “When you return home, tell your friends and family that the youth of Jammu & Kashmir are now actively engaged in sports, just like their counterparts across India. Calendars here are now published for Khelo India and other national-international games, not for strikes and shutdowns.” He credited the leadership of Prime Minister Modi for fostering a vibrant sports culture and modern sports infrastructure across the Union Territory, enabling millions of youngsters to pursue their sporting dreams.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, declared the festival open via a video message, underscoring the government’s Khelo Bharat Niti (National Sports Policy) aimed at making sports a national culture. “We are proud to introduce the Khelo India Water Games in Jammu & Kashmir, aligning with our vision of Har Ghar Khel (Sports in Every Home),” Mandaviya said, referencing recent reforms like the National Sports Governance Bill 2025.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the guest of honour, highlighted Jammu & Kashmir’s long association with Khelo India, having successfully hosted the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg five times. He described the event as a “historic moment that blends the spirit of sports with the breathtaking natural beauty of Kashmir.” Abdullah noted the deep connection between Dal Lake and water sports, adding, “You could not find a better place for these games.”
The festival saw a sparkling start with local shikarawalla Mohsin Ali, a 17-year-old from Jammu & Kashmir, clinching the first gold medal in the men’s singles kayaking race, clocking 4:12.41 seconds in the 1000m event. Vishal Kumar from Uttar Pradesh won gold in the canoe singles, while Mohammed Hussain from Jammu & Kashmir secured a bronze in the same category.
The event, attended by dignitaries including Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, J&K Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, and other senior officials, is expected to boost sports tourism and the local economy. By showcasing Kashmir’s organizational capabilities and scenic landscapes, the festival aims to position Dal Lake as a premier destination for water sports in India.
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 not only highlights athletic excellence but also underscores Jammu & Kashmir’s journey towards becoming a sporting powerhouse, fostering national integration and economic growth through sports and tourism.
