Khelo India Makes Waves with Water Sports Festival

The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) splashed onto the scene at Dal Lake, drawing participation from over 400 athletes. The event, spanning three days, sees competitors vie for medals in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, with 24 golds up for grabs.

36 states and union territories are battling it out, with a special focus on contenders from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala. In addition to traditional competitions, the festival also features thrilling demonstrations in water skiing, shikhara boat spring, and dragon boat racing, drawing further excitement.

The KIWSF, part of the Khelo India initiative aimed at promoting sports and tourism, follows the Khelo India Beach Games held earlier this year. The festival boasts strong representation from across the nation, regardless of gender, and establishes itself as a key event in India's sports calendar.

(With inputs from agencies.)