First Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF)

The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) concluded at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, with Madhya Pradesh topping the medal tally. The three-day event, held from August 21 to 23, 2025, was inaugurated by Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, via a video message.

Event Highlights and Participants

• Over 500 athletes from 28 states and Union Territories participated in the festival.
• The competitive events included rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, with 24 gold medals on offer. The festival also featured demonstration events like shikara sprints, dragon boat races, and water skiing.
• The very first gold medal of the Games was won by local shikarawalla, Mohsin Ali, from Jammu and Kashmir, in the 1000-metre men’s kayaking event.
• Madhya Pradesh emerged as the overall champion, securing the top spot with a total of 18 medals, including 10 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze. Odisha and Kerala finished second and third, respectively.
• The festival is a new addition to the Khelo India calendar, aimed at promoting water sports and identifying grassroots talent in the region.