Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes showcased exceptional skill and determination at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, which concluded on Sunday at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey. The team finished fourth overall in the senior category, marking a significant achievement in national sports.
The championship, spanning four days, attracted 197 athletes from eight SAI centres across India. It highlighted the nation’s growing prowess in water sports. NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champion, closely followed by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur, cementing their reputation as powerhouses in the sport.
Jammu and Kashmir made their mark, securing a commendable total of eight medals — two gold, two silver, and four bronze medals, signifying one of their most successful outings at a national event.
The event’s highlight came from duo Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who delivered an outstanding performance by winning double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their success followed a commendable showing at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar earlier this August.
The competition hosted at Alleppey witnessed fierce rivalry through 96 different medal events, including participation from 92 female athletes, reflecting the inclusive nature of the sport. Other prominent SAI centres competing in the championship included Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME.
According to officials, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival has dramatically boosted the profile of water sports in India. This increase in engagement is attributed, in part, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recognition of the festival’s champions during his August “Mann Ki Baat” address.
NCOE Alleppey showcased dominance by securing 24 gold and 15 silver medals in both senior and junior levels. Moreover, NCOE Bhopal achieved 11 gold medals in the senior category while topping the sub-junior division with seven golds, illustrating the strong competitive spirit within the Indian kayaking and canoeing landscape.
The record shows that Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala stood out as the top-performing States at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Their rich talent identifies a promising future for water sports throughout the country.
