Himalayan Kingfisher Unveiled as Official Mascot for Inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar.
Appointment
In August 2025, the Himalayan Kingfisher was unveiled as the mascot for the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, scheduled at Dal Lake in Srinagar from August 21–23. The event will bring over 400 athletes from across India to showcase water-sporting excellence.
- The vibrant Himalayan Kingfisher, in bright orange and blue, was introduced as the official mascot, symbolizing adventure, nature, and the competitive spirit of the festival. It also serves as an ambassador for eco-friendly sports, tourism, and youth engagement.
- The Khelo India Water Sports Festival will take place at the scenic Dal Lake, Srinagar, marking its debut from August 21 to 23, 2025—part of the government’s initiative to expand the Khelo India calendar.
- The festival includes five water-sport disciplines: rowing, canoeing & kayaking, water skiing, shikara racing, and dragon boat racing. In addition, demonstration events like water skiing and indigenous shikara races will add cultural appeal.
Main Point :- (i) Over 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories will compete in this open-age national-level competition. Selection is handled by National Sports Federations through merit-based processes overseen by a technical conduct committee.
(ii) This festival marks a key milestone in India’s sports roadmap—representing the fifth major Khelo India event in 2025 after Winter Games, Para Games, Youth Games, and Beach Games. Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports along with SAI and the J&K Sports Council, the event aims to position Dal Lake as a national water sports hub while advancing grassroots talent development.
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