Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025: Top Coaches Eye Global Glory After Dal Lake Triumphs

Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala athletes shine at Srinagar festival; coaches see it as a springboard for Olympic and Asian Games success

Srinagar, August 25, 2025: The first-ever consolidated Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025 concluded at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, marking a milestone in India’s water sports history. The national-level Open-age competition featured kayaking, rowing, canoeing, water skiing, shikara races, and dragon boat events.

Hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), the festival witnessed top athletes from 28 states and Union Territories, with Olympic events deciding 10 of the 24 gold medals in rowing.

Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the top performers. Madhya Pradesh dominated with 10 golds, followed by Odisha and Kerala, who bagged 7 medals each. Athletes from SAI’s National Centres of Excellence—including Jagatpur in Odisha and facilities in Kerala and Madhya Pradesh—were instrumental in delivering these results.

Notable performers included Rasmita Sahoo, Bidya Devi Oinam, Shruti Tanaji Chougule, Dally Bishnoi, Shikha Chauhan, Pallavi Jagtab, and Vishal Dangi, whose efforts have inspired the kayaking and canoeing fraternity. Shikha Chauhan and Pallavi Jagtab were part of the Indian trio that recently won a historic silver at the Asian Canoe Slalom Championship in China.

Coaches emphasized that the festival served as a springboard for global competition, including the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and Asian Games. Madhya Pradesh coach Ankush Sharma highlighted the importance of disciplined training and mental preparation, while Odisha coach Laisharam Johnson Singh stressed the need for exposure and competitive experience. Kerala’s Prithviraj Nandkumar Shinde praised his team’s performance and emphasized building on fundamental skills.

SAI’s High Performance Manager Dalip Beniwal noted that Srinagar’s low-oxygen environment at Dal Lake is ideal for building stamina and strength, offering athletes the opportunity to excel on the international stage.

The festival has not only recognized individual and team achievements but also strengthened India’s water sports ecosystem, providing young athletes the platform to dream big, aim high, and compete globally.

For detailed results and medal tally, visit: KIWSF 2025 Medal Tally.