First-ever Khelo India Water Sports to be held in Dal Lake

In a significant development for Indian sports, the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival will be held at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, from August 21st to 23rd, 2025. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, on Thursday, adding another milestone to the expanding Khelo India calendar.

The Khelo India initiative, launched by the Government of India, aims to encourage grassroots sports development, identify talent across the country, and promote sporting culture through organized competitions. As part of this ongoing mission, the Water Sports Festival will follow the successful conduct of other Khelo India events earlier in the year, including the Khelo India Winter Games (held in Ladakh and J&K), Khelo India Para Games (Delhi), Khelo India Youth Games (Bihar and Delhi), and the recently concluded Khelo India Beach Games in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

The Srinagar edition will feature five thrilling water sports disciplines:

• Kayaking and Canoeing – Competitive paddle sports involving racing through water using narrow boats and paddles.

• Rowing – A traditional endurance-based sport involving racing boats powered by oars.

• Water Skiing – A sport where athletes glide on water using skis while being pulled by a motorboat.

• Shikara Race – A local traditional race involving Srinagar’s iconic wooden boats, “shikaras.”

• Dragon Boat Racing – A team water sport involving long canoes paddled in unison to a rhythmic drumbeat.

This open-age national-level competition is expected to attract over 400 athletes from across 36 States and Union Territories, making it one of the largest water sports gatherings in the country. Athlete nominations will be made by their respective National Sports Federations, based on merit and performances in national championships or other recognized selection events, as determined by the Games Technical Conduct Committee.

Emphasizing the broader vision, Dr. Mandaviya stated,

“The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is another proof of the government’s commitment to broad-basing sports and providing more competitive platforms for athletes nationwide.” He added that this event mirrors the spirit of the first Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu earlier in May and reflects the government’s intention to make Khelo India more inclusive and geographically diverse, reaching every corner of the country.

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted India's growing profile in water sports, particularly in Asia, noting that events like this will nurture emerging talent and help prepare athletes for international competitions. “India already has modern water sports facilities, well-trained coaches, and growing interest. We want new athletes to step forward and pursue excellence in water-based disciplines,” he said.

The festival at Dal Lake not only celebrates competitive sport but also symbolizes a powerful convergence of natural beauty, traditional heritage, and modern athletic ambition—serving as a stepping stone for India’s sporting future on the global stage.

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