The Khelo India Water Sports Games is slated to take place in the last week of June and in all likelihood Srinagar might emerge as the host. If things go according to the plan, the games will be held in the picturesque Dal Lake in the capital.
The proposal to stage the Games comes after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed, triggering a four-day military escalation between India and Pakistan.
Khelo India Water Sports Games
Speaking on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Khelo India Beach Games in Diu, Jammu and Kashmir divisional sports officer Nuzhat Gazala talked about the proposal.
“We have heard that our proposal to host the first Khelo India Water Sports Games event in Dal Lake has been accepted. It’s expected to happen in the last week of June,” she said.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Nikhil Khadse highlighted the government’s efforts to spread sports across all regions of India.
“Through Khelo India, we aim to reach every corner of the country. Be it water sports, winter games, or beach games, we are exploring different formats to bring out the best in our athletes.”
“We are identifying sectors where athletes can find opportunities and receive world-class facilities to prepare them for major events like the Asian Games and the Olympics.” Gazala said the inaugural water sports event will likely feature 3–4 disciplines, including canoeing and kayaking.
“This initiative opens new doors for our athletes to aim for the Asian Games and Olympics,” she said.
Also Read: Khelo India Games Calendar Widens Sports Range: The More, The Marrier
The Khelo India programme is part of the Indian government initiative to boost sports at the grassroot level in the country and nurture young talents. The platform already comprises four established national-level events: the Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India University Games, Khelo India Para Games, and Khelo India Winter Games.
Announcing the annual calendar last week, the Sports Ministry also confirmed the inclusion of new formats such as the Khelo India School Games, Water Sports, and North-East Games.
