Srinagar: Dal Lake, long admired for its beauty and cultural heritage, is set to transform into a sporting arena as it hosts the first Khelo India Water Sports Festival from August 21 to 23. The event will see more than 400 athletes from 36 states and union territories compete in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, with demonstration events including water skiing, dragon boat racing, and a shikara sprint.

The festival is being organised by the Sports Authority of India and the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under the government’s ‘Khelo Bharat’ initiative, which aims to promote grassroots sports, create local opportunities, and boost infrastructure. The event is also expected to generate economic benefits for the region, with shikara operators, houseboat owners, and the tourism sector set to gain from increased activity.

Olympian and international canoeing judge Bilquis Mir said, “This is not just an event, but the beginning of a new era for water sports in our country. On behalf of all athletes, we sincerely thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and the entire Khelo India team for prioritizing water sports and truly recognizing their importance. When I started paddling here in the 1990s at the age of 10, my dream was to represent India one day. That dream came true when I became the first Indian woman to participate in the World Cup. I am certain this event will be very exciting and serve as a major inspiration for our young athletes who dream of representing India on the biggest stage.”

Water sports coach Mohammad Imtiaz added, “It was the Khelo India Winter Sports Games that established Gulmarg as the country’s winter sports hub. Similarly, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival will make Jammu and Kashmir renowned among water sports athletes across the nation.”

Among the participants is Mohsin Ali, a national champion from Jammu and Kashmir who has won 15 medals, including three golds, and is preparing to compete in the kayaking event with hopes of securing another gold on home waters.

Local communities are also optimistic. Shikara operator and water sports athlete Mohammad Rafiq Malla said, “This festival will bring new opportunities not only for the athletes but also for people like me who live inside Dal Lake. I want to see young athletes from all over the country playing in Dal Lake. At the same time, I would also like them to enjoy their visit to Jammu and Kashmir and witness the bustling life inside Dal Lake. They should see the people of Dal swimming and taking lotus flowers and vegetables from floating gardens into their baskets, and admire the beauty of the Zabarwan mountains.”

Preparations have included intensified cleaning drives and weed removal to preserve the lake’s natural setting. The festival’s mascot, the Himalayan Kingfisher, and its logo featuring a shikara highlight Dal Lake’s identity.

Known as the “Lake of Flowers,” Dal Lake spans more than 18 square kilometres and is vital to Srinagar’s tourism and economy. Its floating gardens, houseboats, and Mughal-era gardens make it a cultural landmark. By hosting the festival, Dal Lake joins Gulmarg and other destinations in showcasing how natural landscapes are becoming part of India’s growing sporting geography.

As athletes take to the waters later this week, the event will merge heritage and competition, marking a new chapter in Kashmir’s sporting journey.

BI Bureau