Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 Concludes Here Are Winners

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025, held from August 21–23 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, has emerged as a defining moment for India’s water sports ecosystem. As the country’s first consolidated national-level open-age competition in kayaking, canoeing, and rowing, KIWSF 2025 proved to be more than just a medal event—it became a springboard for India’s aspirations at the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and other global arenas.

Performance Highlights: States that Stood Out

Madhya Pradesh: The Powerhouse Performer

With 10 out of 24 gold medals, Madhya Pradesh dominated the Games, thanks to its State Water Sports Academy of Excellence. Coach Ankush Sharma credited the team’s performance to disciplined training and trust. Assistant coach Champa Mourya added that mental strength was equally emphasized. Their approach was not just about winning but about building champions ready for international platforms.

Odisha: The Emerging Force

Odisha, finishing second, showcased the growing depth of talent from its SAI Jagatpur centre, where athletes like Rasmita Sahoo, Bidya Devi Oinam, and Shruti Tanaji Chougule have begun rewriting India’s water sports narrative. Coach Laisharam Johnson Singh believes this is just the beginning and with sustained exposure and investment, Odisha could soon lead India’s aquatic success stories.

Kerala: Tradition Meets Ambition

With seven medals (three gold), Kerala reaffirmed its historical strength in water sports. Coach Prithviraj Nandkumar Shinde emphasized that by refining fundamentals and building on legacy, Kerala can consistently deliver champions on the international stage.

SAI’s Role and National Spread

National Centres Fueling Growth

Five SAI National Centres of Excellence, including Jagatpur (Odisha) and Alappuzha (Kerala), played a pivotal role in training and producing medal-winning athletes. A total of 47 SAI-trained athletes won five gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals at KIWSF.

Key Athletes to Watch

Shikha Chauhan and Pallavi Jagtab (MP), part of the Indian team that won silver at the Asian Canoe Slalom Championship in China, continue to inspire young paddlers.

Vishal Dangi from Uttarakhand also showed promise, reinforcing the pan-India potential in kayaking and canoeing.

Policy Support and Future Outlook

Government Schemes and Sports Policy

The festival was backed by the new Khelo Bharat Niti, along with flagship programmes like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and TAGG (Target Asian Games Group). These initiatives offer crucial financial and logistical support to athletes eyeing the Olympics and Asian Games, where over 30 gold medals are up for grabs in kayaking and canoeing alone.

A Step Toward Olympic Readiness

High-Performance Manager Dalip Beniwal from Jagatpur emphasized that India already fields rowers at global events, and with the right exposure, kayakers and canoeists can follow suit. The Dal Lake Games, he said, have brought that vision within reach.

About KIWSF 2025

Unique National Event in Water Sports

• Dates: August 21–23, 2025
• Venue: Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
• Sports: Rowing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, shikara race, and dragon boat race
• Participants: Athletes from 28 States and Union Territories
• Age Group: Open age category
• Significance: First major water sports carnival under the Khelo India banner after the Winter Games in Gulmarg”