Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 : ‘Male KIWSF grand showcase of local tourism, art, culture’

Srinagar, Aug 12: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting with senior officers from the civil administration and Police to review preparations for the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025, scheduled to take place on Dal Lake from August 21 to 23.Describing the event as a unique opportunity to showcase Kashmir’s diverse charm on a national platform, the Chief Secretary emphasised that the festival should be transformed into a grand celebration of local tourism, handicrafts, art, and culture. He directed the Handicrafts & Handloom Department to organise top-tier exhibitions highlighting the region’s rich craftsmanship for the visitors expected during the festival.He noted that the timing of the festival, coinciding with Srinagar’s peak tourist season, presents an ideal occasion to leave a lasting impression on athletes, officials, and spectators. The Chief Secretary urged the Youth Services & Sports Department to ensure flawless event execution, so that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports considers Srinagar as a regular venue for future editions.During the review, he assessed venue readiness, sports infrastructure, accommodation facilities for athletes, security arrangements, and branding and publicity strategies.All concerned departments—including Tourism, Power Development Department (PDD), Jal Shakti, Traffic, Hospitality & Protocol, Civil Aviation, Airports Authority, Lakes and Waterways Management Authority (LCMA), Handicrafts & Handloom, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Health, and Fire & Emergency Services—were instructed to deliver their responsibilities with the highest standards of efficiency.Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, informed the meeting that the department aims to position Srinagar as the “Sports Capital of India” and make the festival a regular annual event. Drawing from the department’s successful experience hosting five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, he assured robust arrangements for welcoming around 800 athletes and officials from 28 States/UTs, competing across five water sports disciplines over the three days.He detailed that the competitions will include Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rowing, with demonstration sports such as Dragon Boat, Water Skiing, and a unique Shikara Race. The festival mascot, a Kashmiri Kingfisher, along with its logo depicting a Shikara against mountain backdrops, symbolises the blend of nature, adventure, and Kashmiri heritage.Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, briefed that coordination committees have been formed for various functional areas, with a dedicated State Liaison Officer (SLO) assigned to each team for seamless facilitation. She also shared details of an elaborate opening ceremony, featuring a drone light show, traditional folk dances, celebrity performances, and stalls showcasing local street cuisine, art, culture, and Self-Help Group (SHG) products.Organised by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India, the festival is poised to be a landmark event celebrating Kashmir’s natural beauty, adventure spirit, and cultural richness.