India’s first national-level, open-age Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025 concluded at Dal Lake, Srinagar, highlighting the country’s growing talent in kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and other water sports. The festival, held from August 21 to 23 under the supervision of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), also provided a platform for coaching and exposure for athletes aiming for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the top-performing states, with athletes from training centres in Bhopal, Jagatpur in Odisha, and Alappuzha in Kerala delivering strong performances. The 24 gold medals awarded, including 10 in rowing, were all Olympic events.
Notable performers included Rasmita Sahoo, Bidya Devi Oinam, and Shruti Tanaji Chougule from Odisha, Dally Bishnoi, Shikha Chauhan, and Pallavi Jagtab from Madhya Pradesh, and Vishal Dangi from Uttarakhand. Shikha and Pallavi were part of the Indian team that won silver at the Asian Canoe Slalom Championship in China.
A total of 47 athletes from SAI centres across India claimed five golds, seven silvers, and three bronze medals, with Odisha’s Jagatpur centre topping the medal chart. Coaches said the festival demonstrated the potential for India to win medals in kayaking and canoeing at upcoming global events.
“This is the result of disciplined preparation and mental toughness,” Madhya Pradesh kayaking and canoeing coach Ankush Sharma said. Odisha coach Laisharam Johnson Singh added, “Exposure and competition are key. Silver today, gold tomorrow.” Kerala coach Prithviraj Nandkumar Shinde praised the fundamentals and legacy of the state’s water sports programme.
The festival saw participation from 28 states and Union Territories and is part of the Khelo India mission, launched in 2017-18 to promote grassroots sports, identify talent, and develop sporting infrastructure nationwide.
According to SAI officials, the event could serve as a springboard for Indian kayakers and canoeists ahead of the Olympics and Asian Games.
