Historic Mascot and Logo Launch
Himalayan Kingfisher Chosen as Mascot for Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 in Srinagar: On August 14, 2025, Srinagar hosted the unveiling of the mascot and logo for the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF). Scheduled from August 21–23, 2025, the event will be staged at the world-famous Dal Lake, bringing competitive water sports under the Khelo India banner for the first time.
Static GK fact: Dal Lake covers nearly 18 square kilometers and is one of India’s most visited urban lakes.
Himalayan Kingfisher as the Festival’s Face
The Himalayan Kingfisher, depicted in bold orange and blue, was selected as the festival’s mascot. The bird reflects adventure, youthful energy, serenity, and a deep connection to nature. It also promotes sustainable sports practices and celebrates Kashmir’s identity.
Static GK Tip: The Himalayan Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is known for its speed, agility, and precision hunting in freshwater habitats.
Logo Representing Kashmir’s Spirit
The festival logo blends elements of a Shikara boat, snow-dusted mountain ranges, pine forests, and shimmering Dal Lake waters. It incorporates Khelo India’s colors, symbolizing the harmony of tradition, nature, and competitive spirit.
Festival Structure and Events
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 will feature 400+ athletes representing 36 states and Union Territories. Medal categories include rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Non-medal demonstrations will feature water skiing, Shikara races, and dragon boat racing.
Static GK fact: Dragon boat racing is an ancient tradition from China, dating back over 2,000 years.
Organizers and Dignitaries
The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council. The launch ceremony was attended by Shri Satish Sharma, J&K Minister for Youth Services and Sports, and Tanvir Sadiq, MLA Zadibal, who also unveiled the official sports kits for the competition.
Boost for Sports and Regional Tourism
Following the Khelo India Snow Sports in Gulmarg earlier in 2025, this water sports festival establishes Jammu & Kashmir as a year-round sports destination. The event is expected to boost eco-tourism, expand India’s sports calendar beyond stadiums, and utilize natural venues for world-class competitions.
Static GK fact: The Khelo India initiative was introduced in 2018 to identify sporting talent and encourage participation at the grassroots level.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Himalayan Kingfisher Chosen as Mascot for Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 in Srinagar:
| Topic | Detail |
| Event name | Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 |
| Mascot | Himalayan Kingfisher |
| Event dates | August 21–23, 2025 |
| Venue | Dal Lake, Srinagar |
| Main organizers | Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, SAI, J&K Sports Council |
| Participants | Over 400 athletes from 36 states and UTs |
| Medal events | Rowing, canoeing, kayaking |
| Demonstration events | Water skiing, Shikara race, dragon boat race |
| Previous J&K Khelo India event 2025 | Snow sports at Gulmarg |
| Logo features | Shikara boat, snow mountains, pine trees, Khelo India colors |
