First Khelo India Water Sports Festival

The first Khelo India Water Sports Festival in India will be held from 21 to 23 August 2025 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar.

Key Points

Hosting: Dal Lake in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir is hosting this historic festival.

Announcement of the event: Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya announced it on 3 July 2025.

Objective: The initiative aims to promote water sports in the country and increase their reach and popularity. It is a part of the expansion of the 'Khelo India' movement.

Sports included: Five major water sports will be organized in this three-day festival:

Kayaking and canoeing

Rowing

Water skiing

Shikara race

Dragon boat

Participation: It will be an open-age competition in which more than 400 athletes are expected to participate from 36 states and union territories across the country. The nomination of athletes will be done by the National Sports Federations on the basis of their National Championships or other suitable events.

Significance:

This is the first Khelo India Water Sports Festival to be held in Jammu and Kashmir, which will boost sporting activities in the region.

This is another important addition to the Khelo India calendar after the first Khelo India Beach Games held recently in Diu.

Dr Mandaviya said that India has a good position in water sports in Asia, and this festival at Dal Lake will help to bring out the emerging talents and prepare them for international events.

This event will not only promote sports but will also give a boost to tourism and the local economy.