India’s water sports community has found a new launchpad for international glory with the successful conclusion of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. Held from August 21 to 23 at Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake, the event marked the country’s first consolidated, open-age national competition in kayaking, canoeing, and rowing—all Olympic disciplines. With 24 gold medals on offer, the festival has not only showcased emerging talent but also redefined India’s roadmap to the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and the Asian Games in Japan.
Key Highlights From The Festival
- Madhya Pradesh topped the medal tally with 10 golds, followed by Odisha with 3 golds and 5 silvers, and Kerala with 7 medals
- All 24 gold medal events were Olympic disciplines, including 10 in rowing and 14 in kayaking and canoeing
- Over 400 athletes from 36 states and union territories participated, with near-equal representation of men and women
- Demonstration events included dragon boat racing, water skiing, and the traditional shikhara sprint
Performance And Aspirations
- Athletes from SAI’s Jagatpur Centre in Odisha, including Rasmita Sahoo and Bidya Devi Oinam, delivered standout performances
- Madhya Pradesh’s champions, such as Shikha Chauhan and Pallavi Jagtab, had recently won silver at the Asian Canoe Slalom Championship in China
- Forty-seven SAI athletes secured five golds, seven silvers, and three bronze medals, with Jagatpur leading the pack
- Coaches from Odisha, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh hailed the event as a springboard for Olympic qualification and podium finishes
Infrastructure And Training Ecosystem
- The festival spotlighted India’s growing water sports infrastructure, including centres in Bhopal, Alappuzha, and Jagatpur
- Madhya Pradesh’s State Water Sports Academy of Excellence was credited for its disciplined training regime and mental conditioning programs
- Kerala’s backwater-based training facilities and Odisha’s Bay of Bengal proximity have become key assets in athlete development
- The Sports Authority of India’s National Centres of Excellence played a pivotal role in preparing athletes for high-pressure competition
Policy Support And Future Outlook
- The Khelo Bharat Niti, a new sports policy focused on exposure and upliftment, underpinned the festival’s success
- Government schemes like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) are providing financial and logistical support
- With over 30 gold medals at stake in kayaking and canoeing at the Olympics and Asian Games, India’s medal prospects are stronger than ever
- Coaches and officials believe the Dal Lake event has laid the foundation for sustained international competitiveness
Athlete Voices And Cultural Impact
- Participants praised the climate, facilities, and camaraderie at the festival, calling it a rare opportunity for national-level exposure
- Army rower Arjun Lal Jat, a Tokyo Olympian and Asian Games silver medalist, competed in men’s single sculls, adding star power to the event
- The festival also served as a cultural showcase, blending sport with local heritage through events like the shikhara race
- Athletes from smaller states like Uttarakhand and Rajasthan expressed optimism about future participation and learning opportunities
Conclusion
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 has emerged as a transformative moment for Indian water sports. By combining elite competition, grassroots participation, and strategic policy support, the event has energized athletes and coaches with a renewed sense of purpose. As India sets its sights on Los Angeles 2028 and beyond, Dal Lake may well be remembered as the place where Olympic dreams began to take shape.
Sources: MSN India, Pragativadi, The Hans India, Outlook India, Olympics.com.
