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Key Points

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival mascot, the Himalayan Kingfisher, was unveiled in Srinagar ahead of the event at Dal Lake. The festival will include rowing, kayaking, and unique local events like shikara races. Over 400 athletes from across India will compete in this first-of-its-kind water sports event. Officials aim to establish Dal Lake as a national water sports hub.

Key Points: Khelo India Water Sports Festival Mascot Launched in Srinagar

  • Himalayan Kingfisher mascot symbolizes adventure and eco-friendly sports
  • Event features rowing, canoeing, and kayaking as medal sports
  • Over 400 athletes from 36 states expected to participate
  • Dal Lake to host the festival from August 21-23
2 min read

Khelo India Water Sports Festival mascot, logo released in Srinagar

Himalayan Kingfisher unveiled as mascot for Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, featuring rowing, kayaking, and shikara races.

"Gulmarg has already become the winter games capital of the country, and now Dal Lake will become the water sports hub of the country – Tanvir Sadiq"

Srinagar, August 14

The Himalayan Kingfisher, the mascot for the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, was released in Srinagar on Thursday. The Games will be held at the iconic Dal Lake from August 21-23, according to a release from SAI media.

The water sports festival is part of the expanding Khelo India calendar. The first-ever Khelo India Beach Games were held in Diu in May this year. The KIWSF will be hosted by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India.

For Jammu and Kashmir, this will be the second Khelo India event after Gulmarg hosted the snow events of the Khelo India Winter Games in March. The KIWSF will feature rowing, canoeing and kayaking as medal events. The demonstration events will be water skiing, shikara race and dragon boat race. More than 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories are expected in Srinagar.

The Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Jammu and Kashmir, Satish Sharma, and the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, released the mascot and the logo. The official kits of the Games were also revealed.

The Himalayan Kingfisher, the colourful mascot of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, embodies the spirit of adventure, nature, and competition in the Games. With its bold orange and blue, it represents energy, tranquillity, and the beauty of Kashmir. More than a symbol, it's the festival's ambassador, promoting eco-friendly sports, tourism, and youth engagement nationwide.

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival logo captures the essence of Kashmir, featuring a Shikara gliding on Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees. Its calm reflections mirror the beauty of Kashmir, while the Khelo India colours unite tradition, nature, and the energy of sport.

"Gulmarg has already become the winter games capital of the country, and now Dal Lake will become the water sports hub of the country," said Sadiq, as quoted from a release from SAI media.

"This is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Love the concept but I hope they maintain ecological balance in Dal Lake. Water sports are great but we must ensure no pollution or disturbance to the fragile ecosystem. The mascot being a kingfisher gives me hope they've considered this.
R
Rohit P
As someone who visited Dal Lake last year, this is amazing news! The shikara race sounds so unique - blending tradition with sports. Hope this boosts tourism and creates job opportunities for locals. More power to Khelo India! ✨
S
Sarah B
The logo design is stunning! The way they've incorporated Dal Lake and mountains is so artistic. Wishing all athletes the best - especially excited to see women participants in these water sports events. Breaking stereotypes!
N
Nikhil C
Good initiative but why only 3 medal events? With 400+ athletes coming, they should have included more competitive categories. Also hope the infrastructure is world-class - we don't want international media showing subpar facilities.
K
Kavya N
The dragon boat race demonstration sounds fascinating! Reminds me of similar events in South East Asia. This festival could put India on the global water sports map. Hope they livestream the events for those who can't visit in person.
M
Michael C
As an adventure

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