First Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Srinagar

Event Highlights:

• Venue: Dal Lake, Srinagar (first time hosting such an event).

• Occasion: First-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival with focus on Olympics preparation.

• Disciplines: Rowing, kayaking, canoeing (all Olympic sports).

• Participation: 409 athletes from 36 States/UTs; 202 women athletes.

• Medals at stake: 24 Gold medals over 3 days.

• Major contingents: Madhya Pradesh (44) highest , Haryana (37), Odisha (34), Kerala (33).

Significance:

• Mascot: The Himalayan Kingfisher was chosen as the mascot for the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake from August 21 to 23, 2025.

                          

• Previous Event: Earlier in May 2025, the first-ever Khelo India Beach Games were organized in Diu.

• J&K’s Second Event: This water sports festival marks the second Khelo India event for Jammu & Kashmir, following the Khelo India Winter Games held in Gulmarg in March 2025.

• Dal Lake waters compared to European standards, suitable for international competitions.

• Water sports have 16 medal events in Olympics → key to India’s medal prospects.

• Provides a platform to scout and train talent from Jammu & Kashmir and across India.

• First consolidated open-age category championship under Khelo India, covering all Olympic events in rowing, kayaking, and canoeing.