Maiden Khelo India Water Sports Festival : Dal Waters To come Alive with Splash of Oars, Rhythm of drums

Srinagar, Aug 20: The tranquil waters of Dal Lake are set to come alive this week with the splash of oars and the rhythm of drums, as Kashmir hosts the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival from August 21 to 23.More than 400 athletes from 36 states and union territories are expected to compete in rowing, canoeing and kayaking. The three-day festival will also feature demonstration events including dragon boat racing, water skiing and even a shikara sprint, showcasing Kashmir’s unique flavour of water sports. For the valley, this is more than a sporting spectacle. It is an opportunity to place Dal Lake on the country’s sporting map. “The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has once again shown trust in J&K Sports Council by granting us this event. It is not only about competition, but also about presenting our culture, heritage and hospitality to athletes from across India,” said Javid-ur-Rehman, Divisional Sports Officer of the Council. The festival received a boost with the arrival of three dragon boats, donated by the Delhi Dragon Boat Association. Dragon boat racing, which has its roots in Asia, involves 12 paddlers synchronising strokes to the beat of a drum on a long boat carved with a dragon’s head.  Kashmir has already produced international names in the sport. Zahoor Ahmad Latoo and Zain Ul Aabidin won gold for India at the 2023 World Championship in Thailand. “When we competed abroad, we saw the passion for this sport. To now see dragon boats glide through Dal Lake feels special. It will inspire the younger generation to take water sports seriously,” Latoo told this correspondent. His teammate Aabidin said the festival will open doors for youngsters who often don’t get exposure. “This is not just about medals, it’s about building confidence. Once our youth realise that water sports can take them to international platforms, more boys and girls will take it up.” Mohammed Syed Punoo, president of the J&K Dragon Boat Association and a retired IPS officer, said the inclusion of dragon boat racing will deepen J&K’s presence in competitive water sports. “We already have six international players. With this festival, we expect more fresh talent to emerge from our lakes and rivers,” he said. Vice President of the Association, Aamir Ali, added that dragon boat racing is an official event at the Asian Games and Asian Beach Games. “It is sanctioned by the Olympic Council of Asia, and our athletes should know they are competing in a discipline recognised worldwide,” he said. The festival, jointly organised by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and J&K Sports Council, is also being seen as a step towards strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure in the valley. With Dal Lake as the backdrop, organisers say it is a rare mix of competition and culture a chance for athletes to not only race, but also experience Kashmir’s hospitality.