The sun may have set on the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, but the first integrated, national-level, open-age competition including kayaking, coaching and rowing has created a new chapter in the history of water sports in the country. Organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council under the supervision of Sports Authority of India (SAI), the Games have boosted the enthusiasm of water sports athletes and their coaches as they aim to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 and win medals in other global competitions. All 24 gold medals decided at Dal Lake during 21–23 August, including 10 in rowing, were Olympic events.
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala were ranked among the top three states in Khelo India Water Sports Festival. An iconic lake in Bhopal, a water sports training center on the banks of the Bay of Bengal and the SAI Center of Excellence in Alappuzha in the lap of Kerala’s picturesque backwaters, the players at these facilities have made headlines after their stellar performances in the event.
The performance of water sports experts like Rasita Sahu, Vidya Devi Oinam and Shruti Tanaji Chougule, training at SAI’s Jagatpur center in Odisha, Dali Bishnoi, Shikha Chauhan and Pallavi Jagtab from Madhya Pradesh and Vishal Dangi from Uttarakhand have given great hope to the kayaking and canoeing community. Shikha and Pallavi were part of an Indian trio that won a historic silver medal at the recent Asian Canoe Slalom Championships in Guizhou, China.
The performance of the kayakers and canoeists who trained at five SAI centers across India was remarkable. Seventy SAI players had won five gold, seven silver and three bronze medals. 15 players participated in KIWSF 2025, who stood best with three gold and five silver medals. Keeping in mind the promotion and exposure under the new sports policy (Khelo Bharat Policy), KIWSF Festival can be a game changer. The DAL Games has already inspired the water sports community and its impact can be seen at next year’s Asian Games in Japan, supported by the government through its TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and TAGG (Target Asian Games Group) schemes.
Experts believe that more than 30 gold medals are at stake in kayaking and canoeing alone in the Olympics and Asian Games and India can definitely look to win medals in these global meets. Coaches associated with SAI’s National Centers of Excellence in Odisha and Kerala already seem inspired. Team champion Madhya Pradesh, which had won 10 out of 24 gold medals at the KIWSF, is also equally strong.
The powerhouse performance shown by Madhya Pradesh in Srinagar was not accidental. This was the product of a carefully cultivated ecosystem of discipline and ambition at the MP State Water Sports Academy of Excellence. “That is the result of months of intense preparation, a disciplined schedule and the trust these young players placed in us,” said Ankush Sharma, kayaking and canoeing coach from Madhya Pradesh. “Every pedal stroke was backed by purpose. Every finish was a reflection of our training philosophy.”
Ankush had Champa Maurya as his assistant. He played a major role in motivating the team behind the scenes. “We worked not only on physical endurance but also on mental strength,” she said. “These children learned to thrive under pressure. And today, they are champions not only of Madhya Pradesh but of the entire country,” Champa had added. The aspiration to win global fame is becoming stronger,” she said.
Laishram Johnson Singh, coach at Jagatpur, said Odisha’s performance signals a change in the map of India’s water sports. “This is just the beginning for Odisha. The talent pool is immense, and with more investment and support, we will soon lead.” Known for his patient mentoring style, Johnson emphasizes the importance of exposure and competitive experience. “Your peddlers are learning to trust the process. Today silver, tomorrow gold,” he said. “The process has to continue and results will come.”
While Kerala finished third with seven medals including three gold, one silver and three bronze, their performance was inspiring. Coach Prithviraj Nandakumar Shinde said: “Kerala has always had a legacy in water sports. This year, we have added the Biju event to it.” He added that building on the basics will make athletes better and better. The top three teams, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Kerala, walked away not only with medals but also with stories of courage and growth. Behind every podium finish was the coach’s unwavering belief. Now it’s all about getting to the next level.
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