Khelo India Water Sports Festival to Debut on Dal Lake

Srinagar, Aug 14 (PTI) The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) is set to make a splash at the storied Dal Lake from August 21 to 23. It promises to bring together over 400 athletes representing states and Union Territories from across the country. On Thursday, the festival's mascot was unveiled. The Himalayan Kingfisher will serve as the mascot, symbolizing adventure, nature, and competition, with its vivid orange and blue colors representing energy, tranquility, and the natural beauty of Kashmir. The Khelo India Water Sports Festival is carved into the Khelo India calendar, following the Khelo India Beach Games held in Diu in May. The festival will be hosted by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India. This marks the second Khelo India event for Jammu and Kashmir, after the snow events of the Khelo India Winter Games were hosted in Gulmarg in March. The festival's main medal events are set to include rowing, canoeing, and kayaking. Enthusiasts will also be treated to demonstration events like water skiing, the shikara race, and the dragon boat race. These competitions will see athletes from 36 states and Union Territories converging on Srinagar. J&K's Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, along with the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, unveiled the mascot and logo, also showcasing the official kits. "Gulmarg has already become the winter games capital of the country, and now Dal Lake will become the water sports hub of the country," Sadiq shared with enthusiasm. ब>

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