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Key Points

The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival is set to transform Dal Lake into a national sporting arena this August. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the groundbreaking event, which will feature five water sports and attract over 400 athletes from across India. The festival represents a significant step in promoting sports diversity and providing platforms for emerging talent. This event follows the success of previous Khelo India initiatives and underscores the government's commitment to inclusive sports development.

Key Points: Khelo India Water Sports Fest Debuts at Dal Lake Srinagar

  • First national water sports festival in Jammu and Kashmir
  • Includes kayaking, rowing, water skiing, and dragon boat events
  • Open-age competition with athletes from 36 states and UTs
  • Aims to discover and nurture emerging water sports talent
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Dal Lake to host Khelo India Water Sports Festival in August

First-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival to showcase 5 sports with 400+ athletes across India at iconic Dal Lake in August

"We want Khelo India to become more inclusive and reach out to every corner of the country - Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister"

New Delhi, July 3

The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival will be held at Srinagar's iconic Dal Lake from August 21-23. The announcement was made by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr.

Mansukh Mandaviya, here on Thursday. Part of its growing Khelo India calendar, the inaugural edition of the Water Games in Jammu and Kashmir comes on the back of the first Khelo India Beach Games, which were held in Diu in May. The water sports festival will see five sports - kayaking and canoeing, rowing, water skiing, shikara race, and dragon boat.

"The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is another proof of the government's commitment to broad-based sports and creating more opportunities for athletes to express themselves at the national level. Like the first Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, we want Khelo India to become more inclusive and reach out to every corner of the country," said Mandaviya.

The open-age competition is expected to see 400-plus athletes from the 36 states and Union Territories participate. The nomination of athletes will be made by the National Sports Federation from their national championships or other suitable events, or as decided by the Games Technical Conduct Committee on a merit basis.

"India has a decent standing in water sports in Asia. The water sports festival in Dal Lake will help expose emerging talent and prepare them for international events. Our water sports facilities have the latest infrastructure and good coaches. We only want new athletes to come and seek excellence in water games," Mandaviya added.

The upcoming water sports festival will be the fifth Khelo India event in 2025 following the Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh and J&K, the Para Games in Delhi, the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar and Delhi and most recently, the Beach Games in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great move by the government! But I hope they maintain the ecological balance of Dal Lake while conducting these events. We've seen how water bodies suffer during such activities if not managed properly.
A
Arjun K
Shikara race sounds amazing! It's brilliant how they're incorporating local Kashmiri culture into sports. Can't wait to watch this on DD Sports. More power to our athletes! 💪
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Sarah B
As someone who visited Dal Lake last year, I'm concerned about the environmental impact. The lake is already struggling with pollution. Hope the organizers have proper waste management plans in place.
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Vikram M
Finally water sports getting the attention they deserve! India has so much potential in these sports. Maybe we'll see our own Olympic medalists in kayaking soon. Kudos to the organizers!
K
Kavya N
The tourism boost this will bring to Srinagar is much needed after the tough years. Hope the event goes smoothly and showcases the best of Kashmir to the world. Inshallah! ✨
M
Michael C
Interesting concept, but will there be equal opportunities for women athletes? Water sports in India still seem very male-dominated. Hope the selection process is fair and inclusive.

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