Overview

• Madhya Pradesh led the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival with 18 medals, including 10 gold, as competition concluded at Dal Lake on Aug. 23.
• Odisha placed second with four gold, five silver and one bronze, while Kerala finished third with three gold, one silver and three bronze.
• SAI said the 2025 festival will be upgraded to full Khelo India Water Games in 2026 with higher investment and more events, following a three-day meet featuring six disciplines.
• Hosts Jammu & Kashmir finished seventh; locals Mohsin Ali (kayak K-1 1000m gold), Sajad Hussain (canoe C-2 500m silver) and Muhammad Hussain (C-1 1000m bronze among medals) trained at the Nehru Park centre.
• The Srinagar hub’s role in supporting athletes from low-income families has intensified advocacy from coaches, including Zulfkar Ali Bhat, for designating Dal Lake as a national watersports centre.