Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting with senior officers from the civil administration and Police to review preparedness for the maiden edition of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025, scheduled to be held on the iconic Dal Lake from 21st to 23rd August.

Calling the event a unique opportunity to project Kashmir’s multifaceted charm on a national platform, the Chief Secretary emphasised that the festival must be converted into a grand celebration of local tourism, handicrafts, art and culture. He directed the Handicrafts & Handloom Department to organise top-class exhibitions, highlighting the region’s rich craftsmanship to the visitors expected during the event.

The Chief Secretary noted that the timing of the festival coinciding with the peak tourist season in Srinagar has offered an ideal occasion to create lasting impressions on visiting the athletes, officials and spectators. He asked the Youth Services & Sports Department to ensure flawless conduct so that the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports considers Srinagar as a regular venue for the festival in the years ahead.

Reviewing arrangements in detail, the Chief Secretary took stock of venue readiness, sports infrastructure, boarding and lodging facilities for athletes, security measures and branding and publicity.

 He directed all the concerned departments like that of Tourism, PDD, Jal Shakti, Traffic, Hospitality & Protocol, Civil Aviation, Airports Authority, LCMA, Handicrafts & Handloom, SDRF, Health and Fire & Emergency Services to deliver their responsibilities with the highest standards of efficiency.

Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Sarmad Hafeez, while informing the meeting about this festival said that the department aims to position Srinagar as the “Sports Capital of India” and make it a regular annual affair.

 Drawing from the department’s experience of successfully hosting five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, he assured that robust arrangements shall be put in place to welcome around 800 athletes and officials from 28 States/UTs, who will compete in five water sports disciplines over the three days of the festival.

He further detailed out that competitive events will be held in Kayaking, Canoeing and Rowing, while Dragon Boat, Water Skiing and a unique Shikara Race will feature as demonstration sports. The festival mascot, the Kashmiri Kingfisher and its logo featuring a Shikara set against mountain backdrops symbolise the blend of nature, adventure and Kashmiri heritage, he added.

Secretary, Sports Council, Nuzhat Gul, briefed that coordination committees have been formed for different functional areas, with a dedicated State Liaison Officer (SLO) assigned to each team for their information and smooth facilitation.

She also divulged the details about an elaborate opening ceremony, complemented by a drone light show, live traditional folk dances, celebrity performances and food & craft stalls showcasing local street cuisine, art, culture, and SHG products.

Being organised by the J&K Sports Council in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India, the festival is set to be a landmark event, celebrating Kashmir’s nature, adventure and cultural spirit in unison.