Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 Kicks Off in Srinagar
Revealed in Srinagar: Mascot and Logo for the Khelo India Water Sports Festival
The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) took place from August 21 to 23 at the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This groundbreaking event was part of the Khelo India initiative, designed to promote sports and attract tourism, following the Khelo Bharat Niti.
Medal Events
The festival featured a mix of medal events and demonstration sports. The medal events included rowing with 10 events, all of which are Olympic events, and canoeing and kayaking with 14 combined events, also Olympic events. These events offered a total of 24 gold medals [1][2].
Demonstration Events
To add variety and excitement, the festival included demonstration events such as water skiing, dragon boat racing, and Shikara boat sprints. These events showcased different aspects of water sports [1][2][3].
Participating States and Territories
Athletes from 36 states and Union Territories in India participated in the festival. The Services team did not compete, drawing focus to states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, and Kerala, known for their strong water sports athletes. Madhya Pradesh sent the largest contingent with 44 competitors [1][2].
The festival aimed to provide a platform for athletes from Jammu and Kashmir and other regions to compete and gain international recognition [1].
The KIWSF Logo and Mascot
The KIWSF logo features a Shikara gliding on Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees. The Himalayan Kingfisher, embodying the spirit of adventure, nature, and competition, serves as the festival's mascot.
Collaborative Efforts
The KIWSF was hosted by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India. The event was a significant step towards expanding the water sports scene in the country and the growing Khelo India calendar.
According to a statement made by Sadiq, as quoted from a release from SAI media, the festival was a testament to the government's commitment to promoting sports and fostering a sporting culture in the country.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir are experiencing a moment of pride as Gulmarg, already established as the winter games capital of the country, is set to become the water sports hub of the country.
[1] Source: Khelo India Water Sports Festival official website [2] Source: SAI Media Release [3] Source: The Indian Express
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 featured both medal events and demonstration sports, with the medal events consisting of rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, and the demonstration events including water skiing, dragon boat racing, and Shikara boat sprints. The festival attracted participation from 36 states and Union Territories in India, with Madhya Pradesh sending the largest contingent. The KIWSF was a testament to the government's efforts in promoting sports and fostering a sporting culture in the country.
