Srinagar, Aug 21 (KNO): Dal Lake, Srinagar, is buzzing with energy as over 800 athletes from across India, including from 28 states and Union Territories, arrive for the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF), running from August 21 to 23, 2025.
The festival has young athletes paddling, rowing, and racing amid Kashmir’s beautiful landscapes. While the valley’s beauty leaves them impressed, the thrill and pressure of competition keep them on their toes.
“The atmosphere here in Kashmir is superb,” said Haripriya, a kayaking competitor from Andaman, smiling as she spoke to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) here in SKICC Srinagar.
Teams from Delhi, Odisha, Chandigarh, and other regions are also participating.
Sitting next to Haripriya were other players from Team Andaman, including Payal, Sneha, Harita, Sheesha and two others, who are competing in kayaking and rowing. They all expressed happiness and excitement at being part of the Khelo India festival.
Harita added, "It feels different from anywhere I have competed before. But the pressure to perform is high."
Payal, another team member, said, “Dal Lake is beautiful. You feel the calm around you, but once you get into the water, the competition makes your heart race. It is exciting and challenging at the same time. We are trying to focus and give our best."
Haripriya noted that being in Kashmir motivates them to push harder. “The scenery inspires, but the events are tough and challenging,” she said.
Dinesh Kumar and Haripriya, who have visited the valley before, reflected that the lake looks amazing and the hospitality is warm. “Still, we are focused on our events,” they said.
As paddles cut through Dal Lake’s calm waters, these young athletes are experiencing Kashmir’s charm while testing their limits at India’s first national water sports festival—(KNO)