Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake
On day one of her tour, Smt. Khadse inaugurated the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 at Dal Lake in Srinagar, an event designed to spotlight India’s growing strength in aquatic disciplines. The festival features competitions in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, drawing young athletes from across the Union Territory.
The scenic Dal Lake provided a stunning backdrop as athletes tested their skills in front of local communities and national officials. The festival, running until August 23, is part of the government’s wider Khelo Bharat Niti-2025, which seeks to combine infrastructure, training, and talent identification into a single pipeline for sporting success.
Alongside the festival, the Minister visited the University of Kashmir to oversee a Grassroots Talent Identification Camp in athletics and volleyball. More than 150 male and female athletes from Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, and other districts took part in scientific testing sessions designed to assess speed, strength, and endurance.
The battery of tests included 20m and 30m sprints, standing vertical jumps, medicine ball throws, and the Cooper endurance test. Performance data will guide selections into top Sports Authority of India (SAI) programmes such as National Centres of Excellence and SAI Training Centres.
Interacting with the participants, Smt. Khadse praised their dedication and promised full institutional backing. “We are not just building stadiums; we are building pathways to global success. Kashmir’s youth will be at the heart of India’s sporting future,” she remarked.
Asian Games 2026 Wushu Trials at SKICC
The highlight of day two was the inauguration of the Wushu Sanda selection trials for the 20th Asian Games, scheduled in 2026. Held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the trials are hosting more than 200 athletes across seven weight categories—five for men and two for women.
Eight athletes from each division will progress to a series of ranking tournaments, with final Asian Games selections determined by year-long performance. This transparent, merit-driven process reflects the ministry’s emphasis on fairness and long-term athlete development.
Smt. Khadse also felicitated nine Indian medalists from the recent 12th Asian Junior Wushu Championships, commending their achievements as an inspiration for upcoming players. “These trials are a fantastic step toward ensuring India’s stronger presence on the international stage,” she said.
Dignitaries and Collaborations
The events saw participation from senior officials and sports administrators, underscoring the collaborative nature of the mission. Among those present were Nilofar Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir; Sushant Kandwal, Director of Khelo India; Nazhul Gul, Secretary of the J&K Sports Council; Suhail Ahmad, CEO of the Wushu Federation; and Arjuna Awardee Kuldeep Handoo.
Their presence highlighted how academic institutions, federations, and law enforcement agencies are aligning to support the government’s vision of sport as both a career pathway and a driver of social unity.
Building a Sporting Future
Smt. Khadse’s tour to Jammu & Kashmir has underlined the Centre’s determination to blend grassroots identification with elite-level preparation. From water sports on Dal Lake to combat trials at SKICC, the events showcased both diversity and discipline within India’s sporting ecosystem.
As the Khelo Bharat Niti-2025 moves forward, the focus remains on offering every talented child—whether in Kashmir, Kerala, or Kanyakumari—a clear route to national representation. For young athletes in the Valley, the Minister’s visit is more than ceremonial; it represents an opportunity to turn potential into podium finishes.