The three-day event, ending on August 23, will see more than 500 athletes from 28 states and Union Territories taking part in five events. While rowing, canoeing, and kayaking will have 24 medals up for grabs, shikara sprints, Dragon boat race, and water skiing will be the demonstration events.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The opening ceremony of the KIWSF was graced by the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse. The Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, was the chief guest while the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the guest of honour. J&K\u2019s sports minister Satish Sharma was also present.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The opening ceremony, besides the Dal Lake, was an attractive affair. Folk dancers and local artists added the local flavour as athletes, coaches, and volunteers lined up at Sheri Kashmir International Convocation Centre to welcome the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. In the expanding Khelo India calendar, the KIWSF is the second addition after the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu in May.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cToday, when athletes step into Kashmir\u2019s Dal Lake with zeal and enthusiasm to create history, the sight will not only thrill all sports lovers, but will also present to the world a powerful picture of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (One India, Great India),\u201d said Dr Mandaviya, adding: \u201cI extend my best wishes to all the young athletes participating in this Khelo India Water Sports Festival. My wish is that you continue to uphold the pride of our nation with the same sporting spirit. With these words, I declare the Khelo India Water Sports Festival Open.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dr Mandaviya said, \u201cSince 2014, when the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power, we have been clear in our vision to make India a global sporting powerhouse. Under the Khelo India Games, we started organizing different sporting events across the country. We are proud to introduce the Khelo India Water Games in Jammu and Kashmir.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThrough the Khelo Bharat Niti (National Sports Policy), we want to make sports the culture of the nation. With the goal of Har Ghar Khel, Ghar-Ghar Khel (Sports in every home), our government has been consistently working in this direction for the last 11 years,\u201d said Dr Mandaviya.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dr Mandaviya further added, \u201cJust last week, the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 was passed in Parliament. Through this, we have now moved towards historic reforms not only in sports but also in sports governance.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWater sports are very attractive, and when they happen in the backdrop of natural beauty, it becomes even more thrilling. These Games are a great advertisement to youths to engage in a sports activity. In India, we have so many water bodies and natural surfaces to take part in adventure sports. It is PM Modi\u2019s dream to lift the sporting culture of the nation, and I think these Games and the Winter Games provide wonderful opportunities,\u201d Mrs Khadse said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Dr Mandaviya further added, \u201cJust last week, the National Sports Governance Bill 2025 was passed in Parliament. Through this, we have now moved towards historic reforms not only in sports but also in sports governance.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Two more gold medals were decided in the canoeing and kayaking competition. Vishal Kumar of Uttar Pradesh won the gold in the canoe singles. For the 1000 metres race, Vishal clocked 4:30.59 seconds. Krishna Jat of Madhya Pradesh (4:31.36) got silver, while Mohammed Hussain of Jammu & Kashmir got the bronze with a timing of 4:32.83 seconds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n