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SRINAGAR, Aug 22: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha and CM J&K Omar ABdullah attended the opening ceremony of "Khelo India Water Sports Festival-2025” at the iconic Dal Lake in Srinagar.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended a warm welcome and best wishes to all participating athletes and team officials. He congratulated the Union Sports Ministry, Sports Authority of India, J&K Sports Council, sports enthusiasts, water sports veterans and people of Jammu Kashmir on the momentous occasion. He also expressed his gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for giving the historic city of Srinagar the opportunity to host the country's first ‘Khelo India Water Sports Festival’.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the participation of 800 athletes from 28 States/UTs in this mega national sports event will project J&K UT as the Water Sports Capital of the Country.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the event as a “historic moment that blends the spirit of sports with the natural beauty of Kashmir.”
Chief Minister said Jammu and Kashmir shares a long association with Khelo India, having hosted the Winter Games in Gulmarg five times. “When we hear Khelo India, winter immediately comes to mind because we have grown up playing in the snow. But today, it is a matter of immense pride that Dal Lake is hosting the first-ever Water Sports Festival under Khelo India,” he said. Calling Dal Lake the “identity of Srinagar,” Omar Abdullah said the lake has nurtured generations through livelihoods, leisure, and adventure, citing the traditions of water skiing and the famed Dal Cross swimming challenge as symbols of Kashmir’s deep-rooted bond with water sports.
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Ms Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Minister for Youth Services and Sports Satish Sharma, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq, COmmissioner Secretary Sarmad Hafeez ,IGP Kashmir, Shri VK Birdi; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Shri Akshay Labroo; Secretary Sports Council Nuzhat Gull besides dignitaries from the Central Government and senior officials of the J&K administration attened the event.
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