Dal Lake to host inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival from Aug 21

Srinagar, Aug 14: Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, on Thursday released the logo, mascot, anthem, jingle and jerseys for the athletes and support staff, volunteers and officials of the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025.

In a historic first, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 is being hosted by Jammu and Kashmir on the pristine waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar from August 21 to 23.

The Himalayan kingfisher inspires the vibrant mascot of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. Swift, fearless and at home on the water, it embodies the spirit of adventure, nature and competition on Dal Lake. With its bold orange and blue, it represents energy, tranquillity and the beauty of Kashmir. More than a symbol, it’s the festival’s ambassador, promoting eco-friendly sports, tourism and youth engagement nationwide.

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival logo captures the essence of Kashmir, featuring a shikara gliding on Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees. Its calm reflections mirror the beauty of Kashmir, while the Khelo India colours unite tradition, nature and the energy of sport.

The anthem and jingles for the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025 celebrate the region’s breathtaking beauty, youthful energy and spirit of sportsmanship. These blends use Kashmiri, Urdu and Hindi verses to showcase Dal Lake’s shimmering waters, the colourful stories cradled in Kashmir and the cultural charm of the region. The lyrics evoke pride and unity, sporting a caravan of dreams that inspire athletes to turn their aspirations into reality. The tracks fuse soulful imagery with uplifting beats, creating an anthem that mirrors the beauty, passion, and togetherness of the games.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister, who also performed the host city activation of the event, said that the 800 athletes and hundreds of other visiting officials from 28 states and eight union territories who would participate in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival would return as the brand ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that hosting the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival will go a long way in promoting not just sports but also tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, said that hosting a major event like the Khelo India Water Sports Festival will help in uplifting the economy of the region, besides promoting sports and tourism.

The Khelo India Winter Sports Games have already crowned Gulmarg as India’s winter sports capital. With the launch of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival on Dal Lake, we are set to redefine the region’s sports landscape and establish it as a national water sports hub,” Sadiq said, proudly highlighting the significance of this moment for Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier, while briefing the dignitaries about the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, Commissioner Secretary of Social Welfare and Youth Services and Sports Sarmad Hafeez said the different stakeholders, like the hoteliers, shikarawalas, travel agents and various departments, had been roped in to make the event a success.

Sarmad Hafeez said that the festival would showcase the diverse culture of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kashmiri, Gujjar and Bakerwal, Dard Shina and Dogri. He said that the registrations for the event were being done by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), while Doordarshan would provide live coverage.