Excelsior Sports Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 14: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, along with MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, today unveiled the Mascot, Logo, Anthem, Jingle and Official Jerseys for athletes, support staff, volunteers and officials of the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. This landmark event will be hosted on the pristine Dal Lake in Srinagar from August 21 to 23.
The festival’s mascot is inspired by the Himalayan Kingfisher-swift, fearless and perfectly adapted to water. The vibrant orange and blue mascot symbolizes energy, tranquility, and the natural beauty of Kashmir, serving as a festival ambassador to promote eco-friendly sports, tourism and youth engagement.
The event logo features a traditional Shikara boat gliding on Dal Lake, framed by snow-capped mountains and pine trees, with reflections that mirror Kashmir’s serene landscape. The logo incorporates Khelo India’s signature colours to unite tradition, nature and sports energy.
The anthem and jingles blend Kashmiri, Urdu and Hindi lyrics, celebrating the region’s scenic beauty, youthful energy and spirit of sportsmanship. The music evokes pride and unity, inspiring athletes to achieve their dreams and fostering togetherness.
Minister Satish Sharma, who also performed the host city activation, emphasized that over 800 athletes and hundreds of officials from 28 States and eight Union Territories will participate, returning as brand ambassadors for Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted the festival’s potential to boost both sports and tourism in the region.
MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the event will uplift the local economy and enhance Jammu and Kashmir’s reputation as a sports hub. “With Gulmarg already crowned India’s winter sports capital, the Water Sports Festival on Dal Lake will further establish the region nationally as a water sports destination,” he added.
Commissioner Secretary Social Welfare and Youth Services and Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, noted that key stakeholders-including hoteliers, shikarawalas, travel agents and Government Departments-have been engaged to ensure the event’s success. The festival will showcase the diverse cultures of Jammu and Kashmir, such as Kashmiri, Gujjar and Bakerwal, Dard Shina and Dogri. Registrations are managed by the Sports Authority of India (SAI), with Doordarshan providing live coverage.
Secretary of the J&K Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, gave the vote of thanks. The festival will feature competitions in kayaking, canoeing, rowing and demonstration events including dragon boat racing, water skiing and a unique Shikara race. The grand opening ceremony will include a drone light show, folk dances, celebrity performances, and exhibitions of local cuisine, crafts, and culture.
Organized by the J&K Sports Council in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and SAI, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of Kashmir’s natural beauty, adventure sports and rich cultural heritage.
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