500 Athletes from 36 States and UTs to Participate

In Jammu & Kashmir, the three-day Khelo India Water Sports Festival is beginning today, till Saturday, August 23, at the iconic Dal Lake in the summer capital Srinagar. The event is conceived as a celebration of Jammu and Kashmir’s culture and ecology. The Mascot of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival is inspired by the Himalayan Kingfisher, which reflects adventure, energy, and a profound connection to nature.
 
More than 500 athletes from 36 states and union territories will be participating in Competitive sports events of rowing, canoeing and kayaking. The Water Sports Festival will also feature demonstration events like water skiing, dragon boat and Shikara race. Organised jointly by the Sports Authority of India and the J&K Sports Council, this festival is a direct result of the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat’ policy, aimed at boosting grassroots sports, generating livelihoods and rejuvenating local infrastructure.
 
The festival is expected to bring economic benefits not just to athletes and coaches but also to shikara owners, houseboat operators, and the wider tourism ecosystem. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah will grace the inaugural ceremony at SKICC Srinagar today evening.