Dragon Boat Racing Lights Up Kashmir’s Dal Lake at Khelo India Festival

The serene waters of Kashmir’s Dal Lake transformed into a hub of excitement as the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival took place from August 21 to 23. The festival featured exhilarating dragon boat races that attracted teams from various states across India.

Highlights of the Festival

• Over 12 teams competed fiercely in the dragon boat category, showcasing strength, teamwork, and strategy.
• Team Jammu and Team Kerala emerged as the top contenders.
• Team Kerala clinched the gold medal in a thrilling final race decided by mere seconds.
• The festival also included kayaking and canoeing events, demonstrating diverse water sports disciplines.

Significance and Impact

The event marked a major milestone in promoting water sports in the Kashmir region. Organizers aimed to:

1. Raise awareness about water sports.
2. Encourage youth participation from Kashmir.
3. Boost sports tourism and youth development in the area.

Local athletes expressed pride in representing Kashmir on a national water sports platform, hoping the festival becomes a regular feature.

Cultural and Future Prospects

In addition to sports, the festival featured cultural programs that highlighted Kashmiri heritage, creating a vibrant celebration of both sports and culture.

Officials have confirmed plans to expand the festival in future years by adding more water-based competitions and inviting international teams, signaling growing confidence in Kashmir as a water sports destination.

This inaugural event not only showcased sporting talent but also played a role in promoting peace and tourism in the sensitive Kashmir region.

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