Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival-2025 at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar.
In his address, the LG extended a warm welcome and best wishes to all participating athletes and officials. He congratulated the Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, J&K Sports Council, water sports veterans, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for granting Srinagar the opportunity to host the country’s first Khelo India Water Sports Festival.
Observing the participation of 800 athletes from 28 States/UTs, Sinha said the event would help position J&K as the Water Sports Capital of India. “Hosting a national-level sporting event with participants from across the country sends a strong message of peace, normalcy, and progress in J&K. While winter sports attract visitors during the snow season, water sports will promote summer tourism and benefit the local economy,” he said.
The LG highlighted the achievements of J&K in sports, noting that modern infrastructure has been developed under PM Modi’s guidance, making facilities available even in rural areas. “The scale and magnitude of sports events organised in Jammu and Kashmir over the last 5-6 years is impressive and unprecedented,” he added.
He emphasized that sports opportunities have increased dramatically, from 3-4 lakh youth per year before 2019 to 30-40 lakh annually today, helping young people stay engaged and away from anti-social activities and drugs.
Urging children and youth to actively participate in water sports, Sinha said, “We must aim for International Water Sports Games. Ambition is the first step to achieving excellence.” He also highlighted the role of sports in fostering team spirit, national integration, and unity in diversity, emphasizing that participation and sportsmanship matter more than winning or losing.
Calling upon athletes and officials to become ambassadors of a new Jammu and Kashmir, the LG said, “Tell your friends and family that the youth of J&K are now actively engaged in sports. Schools and colleges are open year-round, playgrounds are vibrant, and calendars now feature Khelo India and other national and international games, not strikes or shutdowns. The voices of youth are now heard in stadiums, not in streets.”
The festival was officially declared open by Union Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya via video message.
The three-day event features competitive events in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, along with demonstration events such as water skiing, dragon boat racing, and a shikara race.
Prominent attendees at the opening ceremony included Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Minister Satish Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez, IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Secretary J&K Sports Council Nuzhat Gul, senior officials from the Police and civil administration, sports personalities, enthusiasts, and members of the public. (Agencies)
