Overview

• Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the three‑day meet in Srinagar with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Union minister Raksha Nikhil Khadse in attendance.
• Event officials list 409 competitors from 36 states and Union territories with 202 women, while some outlets cite higher totals that appear to include officials.
• Athletes are contesting rowing, canoeing and kayaking, with water skiing, a shikara race and dragon boat racing staged as demonstration events.
• Entries were drawn from recent nationals in Tehri for kayaking/canoeing and Bhopal for rowing, and Olympian Arjun Lal Jat is competing in men’s single sculls for Delhi.
• Racing began with early local success, and leaders said the Dal Lake showcase is intended to boost tourism and position the region as a water‑sports hub.