Kashmir, August 31, 2025 – In the 125th edition of his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievements of young athletes, spotlighting Mohsin Ali from Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, for securing a Gold Medal in Canoeing at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. The event, held for the first time on the picturesque Dal Lake in Kashmir from August 20-22, marked a significant milestone in promoting aquatic sports in the region.Addressing the nation, PM Modi shared, “To bring to you the experience of this event, I thought of also speaking to two players who participated in it. One of them is Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha, and the other is Mohsin Ali of Srinagar.”
The Prime Minister praised Mohsin’s dedication, emphasising how the Khelo India initiative is transforming lives by providing a platform for young talents from diverse regions to shine. He highlighted the festival’s role in fostering unity and sportsmanship, aligning with India’s vision to excel in global competitions like the Olympics.Mohsin Ali, a resident of Kand Mohalla in Mir Behri, Srinagar, expressed his overwhelming joy during the broadcast. “I am very happy that I won the Gold Medal in the Khelo India event, which took place for the first time here in Kashmir. People are talking about it a lot. The entire family is happy. Everyone in Kashmir calls me a Gold Medalist,” Mohsin shared with pride. His victory in Canoeing contributed to Jammu and Kashmir’s impressive haul of four medals, including silvers and bronzes by teammates Sajad Hussain and Muhammad Hussain, securing the state’s 7th position in the overall tally.The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 saw over 400 athletes compete in disciplines such as Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rowing, with a total of 26 gold medals awarded. Madhya Pradesh topped the charts with 18 medals, followed by Odisha and Kerala. Mohsin’s achievement, trained at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center on Dal Lake, underscores the potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth in leveraging the region’s natural water bodies for sporting excellence.
Mohsin’s aspirations extend beyond national accolades. He expressed his dream of winning an Olympic Medal for India, with the National Anthem resounding on the global stage. This ambition aligns with the growing momentum of India’s sports ecosystem, bolstered by initiatives like Khelo India, which aim to nurture grassroots talent. PM Modi’s recognition in Mann Ki Baat has amplified Mohsin’s story, inspiring countless young athletes in Kashmir and beyond.The felicitation comes at a time when Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a surge in sports enthusiasm, with local leaders advocating for enhanced infrastructure, coaching, and sponsorships.
The success of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival on Dal Lake has sparked calls for more such events to harness the region’s aquatic potential. As India prepares for future milestones, including the Khelo India Youth Games 2026, Mohsin Ali’s journey from a local hero to a national icon serves as a beacon of hope and determination.
