The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival will take place at Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake from August 21 to 23, 2025.
This announcement was made by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, on Thursday.
As part of the expanding Khelo India calendar, this inaugural event in Jammu and Kashmir follows the successful Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu in May. The water sports festival will feature five disciplines: kayaking and canoeing, rowing, water skiing, shikara racing, and dragon boat racing.
Dr. Mandaviya stated, “The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is further evidence of the government’s commitment to broadening sports participation and creating more opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents at the national level. Similar to the first Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, we aim for Khelo India to be inclusive and reach every corner of our country.”
The open-age competition is expected to see over 400 athletes from the 36 states and Union Territories. The nomination of athletes will be conducted by the National Sports Federations based on their performances in national championships or other appropriate events, as determined by the Games Technical Conduct Committee.
“India has a strong standing in water sports within Asia. The water sports festival at Dal Lake will provide a platform for emerging talent and help prepare them for international competitions. Our water sports facilities are equipped with the latest infrastructure and well-trained coaches. We encourage new athletes to come forward and strive for excellence in water sports,” Dr. Mandaviya added.
This upcoming water sports festival will mark the fifth Khelo India event in 2025, following the Khelo India Winter Games in Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir, the Para Games in Delhi, the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar and Delhi, and most recently, the Beach Games in the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.
