Srinagar, Aug 18 (NationPress) The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival is poised to showcase the renowned Dal Lake in an exciting new light. Jammu and Kashmir's ambition to become a premier sporting hub will receive a significant uplift as Dal Lake plays host to its first major national Open competition, scheduled from August 21-23.

Over 400 competitors from 36 states and Union Territories will participate in three medal events—rowing, kayaking, and canoeing.

The Union sports ministry's initiative to enhance sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir has already positioned Gulmarg as a leading winter sports destination. The ski resort has successfully hosted five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, and now Dal Lake is aiming to become a prominent site for water sports.

For years, Dal Lake has been at the heart of Kashmir's tourism, art, and culture. With the launch of the first Khelo India Water Sports Festival, the lake is on the brink of enhancing its reputation as a national treasure. The KIWSF is a collaborative effort between the Sports Authority of India and the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council.

The national sports policy, Khelo Bharat Niti, initiated by the Union sports ministry, is instilling fresh hope among athletes, coaches, and the entire sports ecosystem. This policy not only aims to promote sports but also enhance commercial prospects for stakeholders involved. Notably, houseboat owners are eagerly anticipating the opportunities this event will bring.

“This is more than just an event; it marks the dawn of a new era for water sports in our nation. On behalf of all athletes, I extend sincere thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and the entire Khelo India team for prioritizing water sports and granting it the recognition it rightfully deserves,” expressed Bilquis Mir, a prominent figure in canoeing and kayaking and an Olympic judge.

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 will also feature three demonstration events—water skiing, dragon boat racing, and the popular shikara sprint. This has fueled excitement among local communities around Dal Lake and water sports athletes.

However, there are greater ambitions tied to the KIWSF. For instance, Mohsin Ali, a young water sports athlete, is gearing up to compete in the kayaking event. As a J&K state champion with 15 medals, including three golds at national events, Ali is training diligently. “I aspire to win a gold medal in the games we are hosting,” he stated.

“As a 10-year-old paddling here in the 1990s, I dreamt of representing India. That dream became a reality when I became the first Indian woman to compete in a World Cup,” reflected Biquis Mir, adding: “I believe this event will be exhilarating and serve as a significant inspiration for our young athletes aiming to represent India on the global stage.”

Many share the sentiment that this water sports festival could be transformative. Muhammad Imtiyaz, a water sports coach, noted: “The Khelo India Winter Sports Games transformed Gulmarg into the country's winter sports hub. In a similar vein, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival will elevate Jammu and Kashmir's status among water sports athletes nationwide,” he remarked.

For Dal Lake, this festival signifies both a sporting achievement and a civic affirmation. The lake is a vital water body, safeguarded, managed, and celebrated for its cultural, ecological, and water sports significance. Various government agencies have intensified lake management efforts, including deweeding, to meet the ecological needs of the event.

The cultural essence of Dal has been integrated into the design of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, with the mascot featuring the Himalayan Kingfisher—a bird frequently seen hunting in Dal Lake—and the logo showcasing a shikara on the lake.

Muhammad Rafiq Malla, a shikarawalla who transports tourists in his boat and is also a water sports athlete, is thrilled about the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. “This event will not only provide opportunities for sports enthusiasts but also for residents of Dal Lake like myself,” he said.

“While I am eager to watch young athletes from across the country participate in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, I hope they also enjoy their time in Jammu and Kashmir, exploring the vibrant surroundings of Dal Lake, witnessing locals gather lotus flowers and vegetables from floating gardens, and admiring the Zabarwan range,” added Malla.