Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 Concludes Here Are Winners (1)
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unique National Event in Water Sports
A brief yet poignant scene in the hit series Family Man 3 has opened a…
India is often called the Land of Festivals because it celebrates countless festivals throughout the…
Simone Tata, a transformative figure in India’s business landscape and the step-mother of Ratan Tata,…
IndiGo Airlines is one of India’s most popular and trusted airlines. It is known for…
Many countries have different names in different languages. One such country is Germany, which is…
Northeast India is a region full of beautiful landscapes, green forests and rich culture. A…