Khelo India Brings First-Ever Water Sports Festival to Srinagar’s Dal Lake
Srinagar is preparing for a historic sporting spectacle. From August 21 to 23, 2025, the city’s world-famous Dal Lake will host the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF), a vibrant addition to the country’s sports calendar.
The event promises an action-packed celebration of rowing, canoeing, kayaking, and other exciting water sports. It is also expected to showcase Kashmir’s cultural charm, tourism potential, and sporting talent to the nation and beyond.
A Colourful Beginning: Mascot and Logo Unveiled
In a spirited ceremony held in Srinagar, the Himalayan Kingfisher was revealed as the festival’s official mascot. The bird’s striking orange and blue colours symbolise adventure, energy, and serenity — values that the organisers believe capture the essence of the games.
Speaking at the launch, Satish Sharma, Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister for Youth Services and Sports, and Tanvir Sadiq, MLA from Zadibal, jointly unveiled the mascot and logo. The official kits for the festival were also presented to the media and public.
The logo artistically features a shikara gliding over Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees. Its design blends the natural beauty of Kashmir with the vibrancy of Khelo India’s brand colours, reinforcing the festival’s goal of combining sport, nature, and heritage.
A Big Step for Khelo India in Jammu & Kashmir
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is being organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI).
It marks the second Khelo India event in Jammu & Kashmir this year. Earlier in March, Gulmarg hosted the snow events of the Khelo India Winter Games, solidifying the region’s growing importance in India’s sports map.
“This is a proud moment for the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” said MLA Tanvir Sadiq. “Gulmarg has already become the winter games capital of the country, and now Dal Lake will become the water sports hub of India.”
What to Expect at the Festival
The KIWSF will host more than 400 athletes from all 36 states and Union Territories. Competitions will include:
- Medal Events: Rowing, Canoeing, and Kayaking.
- Demonstration Events: Water skiing, Shikara race, and Dragon boat race.
The inclusion of Shikara and Dragon boat races adds a local flavour, merging Kashmir’s cultural heritage with competitive water sports. The demonstration of water skiing will also bring a touch of high-adrenaline action to the serene setting of Dal Lake.
Organisers expect strong participation from professional athletes, as well as significant spectator interest, which could boost local tourism and economic activity.
Promoting Sports and Tourism Together
The festival’s organisers emphasise that this is not just a sporting event but also a cultural and tourism showcase.
Dal Lake, often called the “jewel in the crown of Kashmir,” stands as one of India’s most iconic tourist destinations. A national water sports festival at this scenic spot will attract visitors, capture media attention, and open new investment opportunities.
The organisers chose the Himalayan Kingfisher as the mascot to also serve as an environmental ambassador. It promotes eco-friendly sports and encourages responsible tourism. This choice aligns with Khelo India’s broader mission to blend athletic development with sustainable practices.
Khelo India’s Expanding Calendar
The water sports festival follows the success of the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu in May 2025. These new formats are part of the government’s strategy to expand Khelo India beyond traditional arenas, tapping into regional specialties and natural landscapes.
By taking sports to diverse terrains — from beaches to snow-capped mountains, and now to the heart of Kashmir’s waterways — the programme aims to inspire wider participation and promote India’s sporting culture at the grassroots level.
Voices of Optimism
Sports administrators, athletes, and local residents have expressed excitement about the event. For many, it represents an opportunity for Kashmir to host more national and international competitions in the future.
Officials say the logistical preparations are in full swing. Special arrangements are being made to ensure athlete safety, smooth conduct of events, and hospitality for visiting teams. Dal Lake’s famous floating gardens and houseboats will add a unique charm for both participants and visitors.
Potential Impact on Youth and Community
By bringing a national-level event to Srinagar, the KIWSF is expected to inspire local youth to take up water sports. Exposure to top athletes and advanced equipment could help nurture new talent from the region.
The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council hopes this festival will serve as a launchpad for developing year-round water sports training facilities in the state. This could eventually lead to local athletes representing India in Asian and Olympic competitions.
Looking Ahead
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is set to become a recurring event in the national sports calendar if it succeeds in its debut edition.
With strong government backing, community involvement, and national participation, the festival is positioned to deliver on its dual promise: promoting competitive sports and boosting tourism in the Valley.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on Srinagar’s Dal Lake, where tradition, sport, and scenic beauty will come together in a spectacular celebration.
