Umar Ganie captures the historic moment as Jammu and Kashmir hosts the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival
Srinagar’s Dal Lake on Friday witnessed history as the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival was inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir, drawing over 800 participants from across India and abroad.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the event as a 'historic moment that blends the spirit of sports with the natural beauty of Kashmir.'
The three-day festival has brought together national and international participants, set to compete in water sports against the stunning backdrop of the Zabarwan mountains.
Artists from several states performed cultural shows on shikaras and boats, adding colour to the grand opening. Players from across the country also took part in a spectacular shikara parade on Dal Lake.
The festival is expected to give a major boost to adventure tourism in Kashmir following the deadly Pahalgam attack, while also providing a platform for water sports athletes from different states to showcase their talent.
© 2025