SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival-2025 at the iconic Dal Lake, Srinagar.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor warmly welcomed all participating athletes and team officials, and congratulated the Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, J&K Sports Council, sports enthusiasts, water sports veterans, and the people of Jammu & Kashmir on this historic occasion. He expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for giving Srinagar the opportunity to host the country’s first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival.
Highlighting the scale of the event, LG Sinha noted that 800 athletes from 28 States/UTs are participating, which will position J&K as the “Water Sports Capital of India.” He added, “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 boost the local economy. Over the next two days, these competitive games will provide athletes a unique opportunity to live, compete, and showcase sporting excellence together.”
The Lieutenant Governor also reflected on J&K’s remarkable journey in sports development over the last 5–6 years. “Sports in J&K UT have finally received their due under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Modern sports infrastructure has been developed across the region, and facilities have been extended to youngsters in rural areas,” he said.
He praised the Government of India for fostering a vibrant ‘sports culture’ in J&K, encouraging youth participation, and keeping young people away from anti-social activities and drugs. “From 3–4 lakh youngsters getting opportunities to play per year before 2019, the number has now risen to 30–40 lakh per year,” LG Sinha added.
Urging youth to aim high, he said, “We must set our sights on International Water Sports Games. Unless we aim high, we cannot reach the top. I encourage all children and youth to actively participate in water sports. We can achieve much more.”
LG Sinha emphasized the broader values of sports, stating, “Water sports build national character and team spirit, promote national integration, and strengthen bonds among athletes. Participation and sportsmanship matter more than winning or losing.”
He also called on the players and officials to become ambassadors of the new Jammu & Kashmir. “When you return home, share that J&K youth are now engaged in sports like their counterparts across India. Schools and colleges are open year-round, playgrounds are full of energy, and sports calendars focus on competitions rather than strikes or shutdowns. The voices of youth are now heard in stadiums, not on streets,” he said.
The festival was officially declared open by Union Minister Shri Mansukh L. Mandaviya via video message. Over three days, the event features competitive events in rowing, canoeing, and kayaking, along with demonstration events including water skiing, dragon boat racing, and a shikara race.
The opening ceremony was attended by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Ms Raksha Nikhil Khadse; Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah; Minister Shri Satish Sharma; Commissioner Secretary Shri Sarmad Hafeez; IGP Kashmir Shri VK Birdi; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shri Akshay Labroo; Secretary, J&K Sports Council Ms Nuzhat Gul; senior officials of police and civil administration; prominent sports personalities; and sports enthusiasts from across the region.
