Khelo India water sports festival 2025 opens in Srinagar, J&K bags first gold
KINS Desk
Srinagar, Aug 21(KINS): Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday declared the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 open through a video message, calling it a milestone in making India a global sporting hub.
The opening ceremony at Dal Lake saw Minister of State for Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in attendance.
Hosts Jammu & Kashmir struck gold on Day 1 as 17-year-old shikarawalla Mohsin Ali won the men’s singles kayaking 1000m race. Uttar Pradesh’s Vishal Kumar clinched gold in canoe singles, while Odisha’s Rasmita Sahoo triumphed in women’s canoe singles.
Over 500 athletes from 28 states and UTs are competing in rowing, canoeing, kayaking and demo events like shikara sprints and dragon boat races. The three-day event concludes on August 23.(KINS)
