Srinagar, August 19, 2025 : With Dal Lake gearing up to host the maiden Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) from August 21 to 23, athletes from Jammu and Kashmir are determined to make their mark on the national stage. A 17-member contingent from the Union Territory, fresh from a 21-day preparatory camp, is eyeing podium finishes in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking.
The event will see over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories competing at the iconic Dal Lake—an internationally renowned tourist destination now turning into an arena of sporting excellence.
Among J&K’s medal hopefuls is Muhammad Abbas Kand of Rainawari, Srinagar, who will compete in lightweight doubles rowing. With nine state and district medals and appearances at seven nationals, including the 37th National Games in Goa, Abbas is confident:
“I want to win gold for J&K. Hosting this festival in Dal Lake is historic—it will inspire a new era for water sports in Kashmir,” he said.
Training under experienced coaches Parvez Ahmad Shagu (J&K Police) and Waseem Raja (J&K Sports Association), the athletes are fine-tuning their strokes for high competition.
Rowing pair Irtiza Ali of Saida Kadal and Muntazir Ali are also eager to shine. Irtiza, who bagged a bronze at the 43rd Junior Nationals in Chandigarh, aims to turn his bronze into gold this time.
In canoe slalom, Zahid Hussain, a national bronze medalist with 25 district and state medals, will represent J&K. His focus is on competing against top Indian athletes:
“This is a chance to learn from the best and push ourselves to the limit,” Zahid said.
With Dal Lake set to echo with the sound of paddles cutting through water, J&K’s athletes are not just chasing medals but also hoping to bring water sports into the spotlight across the region.
