Alleppey (Kerala), Oct 10 (NationPress) - The National Centre of Excellence (NCEO) Alleppey has claimed the title of overall champions in the four-day 10th All-India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) kayaking and canoeing championship.

With the rising popularity of rowing, kayaking, and canoeing, this all-India SAI event attracted budding water sports enthusiasts eager to represent India in major Asian and global competitions. Athletes from eight centers took part in this prestigious meet.

The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Srinagar’s Dal Lake from August 21-23, has revitalized interest in water sports. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighting the KIWSF winners during his August radio show, Mann Ki Baat, athletes are displaying increased determination.

Designed to enhance water sports in the country, 197 athletes, including 92 girls, participated in 96 medal events in Alleppey. NCOE Alleppey, NCOE Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and NCOE Jagatpur (Odisha) stood out as the leading SAI centers.

In addition to these three, water sports competitors from Jammu & Kashmir, Port Blair, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Army Boys Sports Company Roorkee, and ABSC EME showcased their talents. Notable international and national athletes like Vaishnavi R, Akshaya B, and Yogita Verma participated in various events.

Jammu and Kashmir secured fourth place in the seniors’ category, earning a total of eight medals – two gold, two silver, and four bronze. Both gold medals were achieved in the senior men’s section, with Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain winning in canoe doubles at 200 and 500 meters. These athletes had also won multiple medals at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar.

NCOE Alleppey excelled as the best SAI unit, clinching 24 gold medals in the senior section and 15 in the junior section. NCOE Bhopal came in second in the senior category with 11 golds while topping the sub-junior section with seven gold medals.

Jagatpur consistently ranked among the top three in all three categories: senior, junior, and sub-junior. Notably, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the leading states in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, an open age-group competition.