Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 concludes at Dal Lake

National platform for water sports

Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 concludes at Dal Lake: The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 (KIWSF) was held from August 21–23 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar. This was India’s first national-level open-age competition for kayaking, canoeing, and rowing. The event marked a turning point in building India’s global ambitions for Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and beyond.

Static GK fact: Dal Lake is often called the “Jewel in the crown of Kashmir” and is famous for its houseboats and shikaras.

Madhya Pradesh dominates

Madhya Pradesh emerged as the top performer with 10 out of 24 gold medals. This success was driven by the State Water Sports Academy of Excellence. Coach Ankush Sharma highlighted discipline and trust as key factors, while assistant coach Champa Mourya stressed on mental toughness. The team’s consistent preparation is seen as a launchpad for future Olympic champions.

Odisha rises in water sports

Odisha secured the second position, with standout athletes like Rasmita Sahoo, Bidya Devi Oinam, and Shruti Tanaji Chougule from the SAI Jagatpur centre. Coach Laisharam Johnson Singh described the success as the beginning of a new era. Odisha’s investment and training infrastructure are set to strengthen its role as a national leader in water sports.

Static GK fact: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) was established in 1984 to develop and promote sports across the country.

Kerala builds on tradition

Kerala won seven medals including three gold, showcasing its long-standing aquatic legacy. Coach Prithviraj Nandkumar Shinde credited the state’s focus on fundamentals and legacy. Kerala’s historical connection with water sports continues to fuel its competitive edge.

Role of SAI and national spread

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) played a key role through its five National Centres of Excellence, especially at Jagatpur (Odisha) and Alappuzha (Kerala). A total of 47 SAI-trained athletes won five gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals. Rising talents like Shikha Chauhan, Pallavi Jagtab (Madhya Pradesh) and Vishal Dangi (Uttarakhand) underlined the pan-India depth in kayaking and canoeing.

Policy backing and future roadmap

The event was supported by Khelo Bharat Niti, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), and the Target Asian Games Group (TAGG) programme. These initiatives provide funding, exposure, and scientific training. With over 30 gold medals at stake in kayaking and canoeing at the Asian Games, India’s preparation has entered a new phase.

High-Performance Manager Dalip Beniwal underlined that India has already made strides in rowing at global events. With KIWSF, the pathway for kayaking and canoeing athletes is now firmly established.

Static GK Tip: Rowing was first included in the modern Olympics in 1900 at Paris.

Festival snapshot

The Dal Lake Games featured rowing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, dragon boat race, and the traditional shikara race. Athletes from 28 States and Union Territories participated in the open age category, making it the first national aquatic carnival under the Khelo India banner since the Gulmarg Winter Games.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 concludes at Dal Lake: