Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, officially opened the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. With a local shikarawalla named Mohsin Ali taking home the first gold medal of the Games, the first-ever KIWSF got off to a spectacular start. Over 500 athletes from 28 states and Union Territories will compete in five events during the three-day tournament, which ends on August 23. There will be 24 medals available for rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, while the demonstration events will be water skiing, shikara sprints, and dragon boat races.
Raksha Nikhil Khadse, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, graced the KIWSF’s inaugural ceremony. The honorary guest was Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and the chief guest was J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Satish Sharma, the sports minister for J&K, was also in attendance. Aside from the Dal Lake, the opening ceremony was a very appealing event. As athletes, coaches, and volunteers waited in line at the Sheri Kashmir International Convocation Centre to welcome the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, folk dancers and regional artists contributed a touch of the local flavor.
The KIWSF is the second event added to the growing Khelo India calendar, following the May Khelo India Beach Games in Diu. In addition to thrilling all sports fans, Dr. Mandaviya stated, “I offer my best wishes to all the young athletes taking part in this Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Today, when athletes enter Kashmir’s Dal Lake with zeal and enthusiasm to create history, the sight will present to the world a powerful picture of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India).” I hope you keep up the same athletic spirit that has made our country proud. I hereby formally announce the opening of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival.
