Jammu and Kashmir displayed remarkable prowess at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, finishing fourth overall in the senior category. The event wrapped up today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey, bringing together some of the best water sports athletes from around the country.
The four-day championship featured participants from eight SAI centres, highlighting the country’s emerging talent in kayaking and canoeing. The host, NCOE Alleppey, secured the overall championship title, followed by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur, who delivered commendable performances.
In total, Jammu and Kashmir athletes clinched eight medals — specifically, two gold, two silver, and four bronze — achieving one of their strongest results at a national event.
The star performers from Jammu and Kashmir were Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who brilliantly secured double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their exceptional skills had earlier caught attention during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar last August.
The Alleppey championship attracted 197 athletes, including 92 girls, competing across 96 medal events. The event provided a thrilling platform where teams from various prestigious SAI centres, including Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME, showcased fierce competition.
Officials noted that the Khelo India Water Sports Festival has significantly enhanced the profile of water sports in India. This momentum received a notable boost when Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the event’s winners during his August “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast.
Dominating the medal tally, NCOE Alleppey secured 24 gold and 15 silver medals across both senior and junior categories. NCOE Bhopal finished with 11 golds in the senior category and led the sub-junior section with seven golds. Meanwhile, Jagatpur consistently ranked among the top performers across all age groups.
In summary, the championships underscored the growing strength of water sports talent in India, with Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerging as the top states at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. This growth reflects a wider recognition and support for sports disciplines across the nation.
