Srinagar: A shikarawala from Srinagar, Mohsin Ali, has become the first Kashmiri to win a gold medal during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. From rowing a shikara at Dal Lake to paddling his way to national glory, Mohsin Ali Kand has come a long way. Seventeen-year-old Mohsin won gold in the 1000-meter men’s Kayaking event by clocking 4:12:717. It was a career highlight for the youngster. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is going on at the iconic Dal Lake in summer capital Srinagar.&nbsp;It was an overwhelming moment for Mohsin, a 12th standard student at SP Higher Secondary School, who rows a Shikara on the Dal Lake after attending his school to earn money for his diet as he aims to fulfil his dream of representing India at the international events.&nbsp;After clinching the gold, Mohsin, the son of a lower middle-class carpenter Fida Hussain Kand, said he had worked very hard for it and credited his success to his father.&nbsp;“I am very happy that I have won a gold medal in the 1000 metre Kayak Race at the Khelo India Water Sports festival. 26 states were participating and there were players who even played internationally among my competitors, and I am extremely happy that I won. Now my dream is to represent India at the international event. I want to go to the Olympics and win a medal for India,” said Mohsin Ali, gold medalist, rowing.&nbsp;Mohsin’s achievement is noteworthy considering that while he has not participated in many national events, he was able to emerge triumphant among athletes who have more experience and even international exposure.&nbsp;Mohsin has been trained by former international player and Olympic judge, Bilquis Mir. She has been training youngsters in the Kashmir Valley for a decade now. Bilquis Mir, known as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, is a water sports champion of Kayaking &amp; Canoeing from the Kashmir Valley was the first woman from India to be a jury member at the Summer Olympics in Paris.&nbsp;Bilquis Mir is a former water sports champion and trainer from Srinagar who has represented the country at dozens of National and International water-sports championships. Bilquis started her journey on the world-famous Srinagar’s Dal Lake at the age of six. She has now dedicated herself to train youngsters in the Valley to compete at National and International level.&nbsp;“This journey started in 2010; we have around 110 medals for water sports in Jammu and Kashmir. Mohsin has proved that Kashmiri boys can lead in water sports. Mohsin’s gold medal proves that we have the talent. This will inspire all the athletes. Mohsin had come to me when he was seven years old. I have groomed him since then, and today he has won the gold and proved to be among the best in the country. Other states have coaches from abroad. They have technical staff, but Mohsin has proved where there is a will, there is a way,” said Bilquis Mir, Olympic Jury and Water-sports Coach.&nbsp;The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is an addition to the Khelo India calendar. Being organized between August 21-23 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, the festival is featuring six sports like rowing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, shikara race and dragon boat race.&nbsp;Thirty-six states and Union Territories will take part in the first-ever Games which is an Open age category meet. Khelo India is a mission to promote sports culture at the grassroots level and also aimed at organised talent identification, structured sporting competitions and infrastructure development.

Mohsin’s achievement is noteworthy considering that while he has not participated in many national events, he was able to emerge triumphant among athletes who have more experience and even international exposure.

Srinagar: A shikarawala from Srinagar, Mohsin Ali, has become the first Kashmiri to win a gold medal during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. From rowing a shikara at Dal Lake to paddling his way to national glory, Mohsin Ali Kand has come a long way. Seventeen-year-old Mohsin won gold in the 1000-meter men’s Kayaking event by clocking 4:12:717. It was a career highlight for the youngster. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is going on at the iconic Dal Lake in summer capital Srinagar. It was an overwhelming moment for Mohsin, a 12th standard student at SP Higher Secondary School, who rows a Shikara on the Dal Lake after attending his school to earn money for his diet as he aims to fulfil his dream of representing India at the international events. After clinching the gold, Mohsin, the son of a lower middle-class carpenter Fida Hussain Kand, said he had worked very hard for it and credited his success to his father. “I am very happy that I have won a gold medal in the 1000 metre Kayak Race at the Khelo India Water Sports festival. 26 states were participating and there were players who even played internationally among my competitors, and I am extremely happy that I won. Now my dream is to represent India at the international event. I want to go to the Olympics and win a medal for India,” said Mohsin Ali, gold medalist, rowing. Mohsin’s achievement is noteworthy considering that while he has not participated in many national events, he was able to emerge triumphant among athletes who have more experience and even international exposure. Mohsin has been trained by former international player and Olympic judge, Bilquis Mir. She has been training youngsters in the Kashmir Valley for a decade now. Bilquis Mir, known as the aqua woman of Kashmir Valley, is a water sports champion of Kayaking & Canoeing from the Kashmir Valley was the first woman from India to be a jury member at the Summer Olympics in Paris. Bilquis Mir is a former water sports champion and trainer from Srinagar who has represented the country at dozens of National and International water-sports championships. Bilquis started her journey on the world-famous Srinagar’s Dal Lake at the age of six. She has now dedicated herself to train youngsters in the Valley to compete at National and International level. “This journey started in 2010; we have around 110 medals for water sports in Jammu and Kashmir. Mohsin has proved that Kashmiri boys can lead in water sports. Mohsin’s gold medal proves that we have the talent. This will inspire all the athletes. Mohsin had come to me when he was seven years old. I have groomed him since then, and today he has won the gold and proved to be among the best in the country. Other states have coaches from abroad. They have technical staff, but Mohsin has proved where there is a will, there is a way,” said Bilquis Mir, Olympic Jury and Water-sports Coach. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is an addition to the Khelo India calendar. Being organized between August 21-23 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, the festival is featuring six sports like rowing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, shikara race and dragon boat race. Thirty-six states and Union Territories will take part in the first-ever Games which is an Open age category meet. Khelo India is a mission to promote sports culture at the grassroots level and also aimed at organised talent identification, structured sporting competitions and infrastructure development.

Mohsin’s achievement is noteworthy considering that while he has not participated in many national events, he was able to emerge triumphant among athletes who have more experience and even international exposure.

Shikarawala Mohsin Ali wins first Gold for Jammu and Kashmir in ongoing Khelo India Water Sports festival

For the first time ever, Srinagar's Iconic Dal Lake is the stage for the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. The event was kick-started by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, while the guest of Honour on the occasion was the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah.Over 500 athletes from around 28 states and Union Territories across India are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports festival, marking a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for national sports. The festival transformed Dal Lake into a vibrant arena, with a Kilometre track hosting eight water sports disciplines, including rowing and canoeing.''There is so much vibrancy. There is so much enthusiasm. All these young athletes who have won medals. JK has also won two medals, gold and bronze. Kashmir is always ready to host national and international-level sports events. We are not only having water sports events, but kabaddi and wushu as well. These athletes will be the ambassadors for witnessing the richness of Jammu and Kashmir, and they’ll go back to their state and talk about Jammu and Kashmir, and it will help in bringing more tourism to the union territory, '' said Nuzhat Gul, Secretary JK Sports Council.The athletes from across 28 states and Union Territories are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports Event in Srinagar. 500 athletes are in Srinagar to fight for 16 medals. The festival will have 16 events for three days and participants are very excited to be participating in the event. Participants are thrilled to compete in the serene and picturesque setting of Dal Lake.''I had an amazing experience. Everything was set up very well. I had so much fun competing on this lake. It’s such a beautiful view. I think the lake is fully equipped to hold national and international events. It’s so beautiful that everyone would want to come and see this beautiful place. It’s a very secure place, '' said Ellana Davidson, Meghalaya.Jammu and Kashmir has successfully hosted five Khelo India Winter Games so far. All the winter games events have been a huge success and according to the officials, it was the performance in the winter games that led to the sports ministry deciding to hold the Khelo India water sports festival in Srinagar.Not only are these athletes excited about the event, but they also praise Kashmir's beauty and Dal Lake. These athletes say they think they are participating in an event in heaven. With the Zabarwan mountains encircling the lake, everyone is mesmerised by the beauty of the event place."The environment here is so good. It looks like we are in some foreign location. The weather is brilliant. It felt really nice to hear. I won a silver medal in the competition. I am very happy here, and this place and the facilities are very good. I am one hundred percent sure that if all the international players here wanted to come, come and play here, '' said Krishna Jatt, Bhopal.The festival is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy and tourism, which faced challenges following the Pahalgam terror attack. By showcasing Kashmir’s natural beauty and organizational capabilities, the event aims to position the region as a premier destination for sports and tourism.With its stunning landscapes, enthusiastic participation, and robust infrastructure, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is set to inspire young athletes and cement Dal Lake’s reputation as a future hub for water sports in India.

Over 500 athletes from around 28 states and Union Territories across India are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports festival, marking a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for national sports.

For the first time ever, Srinagar's Iconic Dal Lake is the stage for the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. The event was kick-started by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, while the guest of Honour on the occasion was the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah. Over 500 athletes from around 28 states and Union Territories across India are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports festival, marking a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for national sports. The festival transformed Dal Lake into a vibrant arena, with a Kilometre track hosting eight water sports disciplines, including rowing and canoeing. ''There is so much vibrancy. There is so much enthusiasm. All these young athletes who have won medals. JK has also won two medals, gold and bronze. Kashmir is always ready to host national and international-level sports events. We are not only having water sports events, but kabaddi and wushu as well. These athletes will be the ambassadors for witnessing the richness of Jammu and Kashmir, and they’ll go back to their state and talk about Jammu and Kashmir, and it will help in bringing more tourism to the union territory, '' said Nuzhat Gul, Secretary JK Sports Council. The athletes from across 28 states and Union Territories are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports Event in Srinagar. 500 athletes are in Srinagar to fight for 16 medals. The festival will have 16 events for three days and participants are very excited to be participating in the event. Participants are thrilled to compete in the serene and picturesque setting of Dal Lake. ''I had an amazing experience. Everything was set up very well. I had so much fun competing on this lake. It’s such a beautiful view. I think the lake is fully equipped to hold national and international events. It’s so beautiful that everyone would want to come and see this beautiful place. It’s a very secure place, '' said Ellana Davidson, Meghalaya. Jammu and Kashmir has successfully hosted five Khelo India Winter Games so far. All the winter games events have been a huge success and according to the officials, it was the performance in the winter games that led to the sports ministry deciding to hold the Khelo India water sports festival in Srinagar. Not only are these athletes excited about the event, but they also praise Kashmir's beauty and Dal Lake. These athletes say they think they are participating in an event in heaven. With the Zabarwan mountains encircling the lake, everyone is mesmerised by the beauty of the event place. "The environment here is so good. It looks like we are in some foreign location. The weather is brilliant. It felt really nice to hear. I won a silver medal in the competition. I am very happy here, and this place and the facilities are very good. I am one hundred percent sure that if all the international players here wanted to come, come and play here, '' said Krishna Jatt, Bhopal. The festival is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy and tourism, which faced challenges following the Pahalgam terror attack. By showcasing Kashmir’s natural beauty and organizational capabilities, the event aims to position the region as a premier destination for sports and tourism. With its stunning landscapes, enthusiastic participation, and robust infrastructure, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is set to inspire young athletes and cement Dal Lake’s reputation as a future hub for water sports in India.

Over 500 athletes from around 28 states and Union Territories across India are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports festival, marking a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir as a hub for national sports.

LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah kickstart Khelo India water games in Srinagar

For the first time ever, Srinagar's world-famous Dal Lake is hosting Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. More than 500 water sports athletes from around 28 States and Union Territories across India are participating in the Event. The event will start from August 21 to August 23.&nbsp;&nbsp;Srinagar is all set to witness one of the biggest water sports events on Dal Lake. Athletes from across every state in the country have landed in the Valley to participate in the event. Dal Lake has been fully laced with a one Km tracks for around eight water sports games that will be held.&nbsp;''It’s a dream come true. Jammu and Kashmir is hosting such an event for the very first time. It is the first ever Khelo India water sports festival where More than 28 states and union territories are taking part. We've got 16 medals. It will be a full day event for the next three days. On the very first day, We have more than 11 races. It’s not only a sports event, but also a tourism promotion. I can tell you that the lake will be the hub of water sports in future. Around 500 athletes, both canoeing and rowing, are participating. &nbsp;It will help the water spots and the youngsters in Kashmir Valley, and it will also give a message to the country that Kashmir is ready for hosting national and International events. '' said Bilquis Mir, Coach Water Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kashmir Valley has hosted five Khelo India Winter Games so far. All the winter games events have been a huge success and according to the officials, it was the performance in the winter games that led to the sports ministry deciding to hold the Khelo India water sports festival in Srinagar.&nbsp;&nbsp;''It means huge. It has a lot of connotations. Jammu Kashmir has hosted 5 Khelo India Winter Games. And now the sports ministry thought about the first water sports Khelo India event and Kashmir was chosen for it. It talks about the huge potential of Jammu and Kashmir and organising the capacity of the Sports Council. It also provides a huge platform and has a huge inspirational value. There around 150 water sports athletes volunteered for the function. We have school kids who have come to volunteer here. We have a lot of technical officials from different states. Seeing them playing in these games and bringing huge laurels will be a huge inspiration value for the youngsters, '' said Nuzhat Gul, Secretary JK Sports Council.&nbsp;&nbsp;The athletes from across 28 states and Union Territories are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports Event in Srinagar. 500 athletes have landed in Srinagar to fight for 16 medals. The event will have 16 events for the next three days and participants are very excited to be participating in the event.&nbsp;&nbsp;''It’s my first time in Kashmir Valley. I played Khelo India national International games. I was not sure whether this would happen in Kashmir but coming to Kashmir and seeing a very clean and beautiful lake and participating in the tournament. Here it is just amazing. The weather is also very great. We are practising today as the festival starts tomorrow. Kashmir has all the potential to host national and international events. The course of the lake is absolutely great, '' said HarshWardhan Singh Shaktawat, Participant, Uttarakhand.&nbsp;Not only are these athletes excited about the event but also all praises for Kashmir's beauty and Dal Lake. These athletes say they think they are participating in an event in heaven. With Zabarwan mountains encircling the lake, everyone is mesmerised with the beauty of the event place.&nbsp;&nbsp;''I have come here to participate in the Khelo India water sports festival. I’ve come to Kashmir before, and I love Srinagar. It’s very beautiful to hold a sports event. Here is such a great thing to do as we get to see the great place and also hold the spot event. The course that has been made is really great and I’m sure for international events 2 km course can be made on the lake, '' said Arunpreet Kaur, Orissa, Participant. The festival is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism industry which was highly impacted after the Pahalgam terror attack.&nbsp; &nbsp;

For the first time, Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 will be organised on Kashmir's Dal Lake. Over 500 athletes from across the country will be seen participating in the events.

For the first time ever, Srinagar's world-famous Dal Lake is hosting Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. More than 500 water sports athletes from around 28 States and Union Territories across India are participating in the Event. The event will start from August 21 to August 23. Srinagar is all set to witness one of the biggest water sports events on Dal Lake. Athletes from across every state in the country have landed in the Valley to participate in the event. Dal Lake has been fully laced with a one Km tracks for around eight water sports games that will be held. ''It’s a dream come true. Jammu and Kashmir is hosting such an event for the very first time. It is the first ever Khelo India water sports festival where More than 28 states and union territories are taking part. We've got 16 medals. It will be a full day event for the next three days. On the very first day, We have more than 11 races. It’s not only a sports event, but also a tourism promotion. I can tell you that the lake will be the hub of water sports in future. Around 500 athletes, both canoeing and rowing, are participating. It will help the water spots and the youngsters in Kashmir Valley, and it will also give a message to the country that Kashmir is ready for hosting national and International events. '' said Bilquis Mir, Coach Water Sports. Kashmir Valley has hosted five Khelo India Winter Games so far. All the winter games events have been a huge success and according to the officials, it was the performance in the winter games that led to the sports ministry deciding to hold the Khelo India water sports festival in Srinagar. ''It means huge. It has a lot of connotations. Jammu Kashmir has hosted 5 Khelo India Winter Games. And now the sports ministry thought about the first water sports Khelo India event and Kashmir was chosen for it. It talks about the huge potential of Jammu and Kashmir and organising the capacity of the Sports Council. It also provides a huge platform and has a huge inspirational value. There around 150 water sports athletes volunteered for the function. We have school kids who have come to volunteer here. We have a lot of technical officials from different states. Seeing them playing in these games and bringing huge laurels will be a huge inspiration value for the youngsters, '' said Nuzhat Gul, Secretary JK Sports Council. The athletes from across 28 states and Union Territories are participating in the Khelo India Water Sports Event in Srinagar. 500 athletes have landed in Srinagar to fight for 16 medals. The event will have 16 events for the next three days and participants are very excited to be participating in the event. ''It’s my first time in Kashmir Valley. I played Khelo India national International games. I was not sure whether this would happen in Kashmir but coming to Kashmir and seeing a very clean and beautiful lake and participating in the tournament. Here it is just amazing. The weather is also very great. We are practising today as the festival starts tomorrow. Kashmir has all the potential to host national and international events. The course of the lake is absolutely great, '' said HarshWardhan Singh Shaktawat, Participant, Uttarakhand. Not only are these athletes excited about the event but also all praises for Kashmir's beauty and Dal Lake. These athletes say they think they are participating in an event in heaven. With Zabarwan mountains encircling the lake, everyone is mesmerised with the beauty of the event place. ''I have come here to participate in the Khelo India water sports festival. I’ve come to Kashmir before, and I love Srinagar. It’s very beautiful to hold a sports event. Here is such a great thing to do as we get to see the great place and also hold the spot event. The course that has been made is really great and I’m sure for international events 2 km course can be made on the lake, '' said Arunpreet Kaur, Orissa, Participant. The festival is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and tourism industry which was highly impacted after the Pahalgam terror attack.

For the first time, Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 will be organised on Kashmir's Dal Lake. Over 500 athletes from across the country will be seen participating in the events.

Over 500 athletes from 25 states: For the first time ever, Kashmir Valley’s Dal Lake is all set to host Khelo India Water sports festival

khelo-india-water-sports-festival-2025

Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, News on Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, stories on Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, articles on Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 stories at Wion, Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 news, Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 latest news

khelo india-water-sports-festival-2025

Shikarawala Mohsin Ali wins first Gold for Jammu and Kashmir in ongoing Khelo India Water Sports festival

CM Omar Abdullah kickstarts Khelo India water games in Srinagar

First time ever, Dal Lake is all set to host Khelo India Water sports festival