Jammu & Kashmir Makes Waves: Khelo India Water Sports Festival Debuts at Dal Lake

Jammu and Kashmir is preparing to make a splash in the sports world as Dal Lake gears up to host the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) from August 21-23. This eagerly awaited event features six major water sports disciplines.

Over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories will compete in three medal events: rowing, kayaking, and canoeing. The festival aims to further bolster sports activities in the region, with success stories from Gulmarg's five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games setting a promising precedent.

Dal Lake, a longstanding tourist hub, is poised to become a hotspot for competitive sports, building new hope for athletes, coaches, and the sports ecosystem. The sports festival is backed by the Sports Authority of India and the J&K Sports Council, and it features additional demonstration events such as water skiing, dragon boat race, and the 'shikara' sprint.