Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) showcased remarkable talent at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, which concluded today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey. The event saw J&K finish fourth overall in the senior category, a significant achievement amidst fierce competition.
The four-day championship, featuring participation from eight SAI centres across India, highlighted the exceptional skills of the nation’s top water sports athletes. The host NCOE Alleppey emerged as overall champions, followed closely by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur in a thrilling display of athletic prowess.
Jammu and Kashmir athletes attained a commendable total of eight medals — two gold, two silver, and four bronze, marking one of their best performances at the national level. This success underscores the increasing prominence of J&K in competitive water sports.
Key among the standout performances was the duo of Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who clinched double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their victories not only brought glory to J&K but also continued the momentum built during their impressive showing at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held in August at Dal Lake, Srinagar.
The championship in Alleppey featured 197 athletes, including 92 girls, competing fiercely across 96 medal events. Participants came from prominent SAI centres including Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME, contributing to a vibrant atmosphere filled with competitiveness and sportsmanship.
Officials believe that events like the Khelo India Water Sports Festival have significantly bolstered the popularity of water sports in India. In his “Mann Ki Baat” address in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the achievements of the festival’s participants, further elevating the profile of this sport in the nation.
The NCOE Alleppey dominated this year’s championship with an impressive tally of 24 gold and 15 silver medals distributed across both senior and junior sections. NCOE Bhopal followed with 11 golds in the senior category and excelled in the sub-junior section, securing seven golds. Jagatpur distinguished itself with commendable performances across all categories.
Notably, the states of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the top performers at the previous Khelo India Water Sports Festival, reflecting the deep reservoir of talent in water sports across the country. This trend illustrates the evolution of competitive watersports, driven by robust training and facilities, resonating with the nation’s growing interest in outdoor and aquatic activities.
