The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025 was organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS), Government of India (GoI), at the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) under the Khelo India mission, from 21st to 23rd August 2025.
- The 3-day event witnessed the participation of over 500 athletes from 28 States and Union Territories (UTs) competing in rowing, canoeing, & kayaking with 24 medal event (14 in canoe/kayak, 10 in rowing) and Shikara Race, Dragon Boat Race, and Water Skiing (demonstration events).
Exam Hints:
- Event: 1st Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025
- Date & Location:Â August 21-23, 2025 at Dal Lake, Srinagar (J&K).
- Organiser: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS), Government of India, under the Khelo India mission.
- Mascot and Logo:Â Himalayan Kingfisher (Mascot), Shikara (Logo)
- Total Gold Medals: 24 (14 in canoe/kayak, 10 in rowing)
- Team Champion: Madhya Pradesh (1st) with 10 Gold, 3 Silver, 5 Bronze (18 Total). Odisha (2nd), Kerala (3rd).
- Event Upgrade: SAI announced inaugural KIWSF will be upgraded into a full-fledged Khelo India Water Games from 2026
Mascot and Logo:
The official mascot of the inaugural edition was the Himalayan Kingfisher, symbolising agility and speed, while the event logo highlighted a Shikara (traditional Kashmiri boat) sailing on Dal Lake, showcasing the cultural heritage of Kashmir.
Major Winners & Results:
Top Medal Tally:Â Madhya Pradesh (MP) claimed the team championship with 10 golds, 3 silvers, and 5 bronzes (total 18 medals), followed by Odisha and Kerala.
Key Performance: Mohsin Ali, a 17-year-old Shikarawalla from Dal Lake, won the first gold medal of KIWSF 2025 in the 1000m Men’s Kayaking race, clocking 4:12.41 minutes.
- Shikha Chauhan (Madhya Pradesh), fresh from her Asian Canoe Slalom Championship silver, bagged gold in Kayaking Singles Slalom.
- Tokyo Olympian Arjun Lal Jat (Delhi), settled for silver in Men’s Single Scull behind Aviraj (Odisha).
State-wise Medal Tally
| Rank | State/UT | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madhya Pradesh | 10 | 3 | 5 | 18 |
| 2 | Odisha | 4 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| 3 | Kerala | 3 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
| 4 | Uttar Pradesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| 5 | Delhi | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
ABOUT KHELO INDIA WATER SPORTS FESTIVAL (KIWSF) 2025:
Introduction: The KIWSF is the newest addition to the Khelo India programme (launched in 2017-18 by Government of India), which aims to promote grassroots sports culture, talent identification, and infrastructure development.
- It became the second Khelo India event in J&K, after the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg.
Future Outlook: The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced that the inaugural KIWSF will be upgraded into a full-fledged Khelo India Water Games from 2026.
- This expansion is expected to bring higher investments, more disciplines, and greater international participation.
Related Event:
India hosted the Asian Surfing Championships (ASC) 2025 for the first time at Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, from 3rd to 12th August 2025.
- It served as a qualifier for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
- India secured two quotas, with Ramesh Budihal winning a bronze in the Open Men’s Final.
