Jammu and Kashmir’s kayaking and canoeing team exhibited remarkable skill at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, finishing fourth overall in the senior category. The prestigious event concluded today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey, with vigorous competition among India’s best water sports talents.
The four-day championship involved participation from eight SAI centres across India, indicating the growing interest and support for kayakers and canoeists. The event saw NCOE Alleppey emerge as the overall champions, with impressive performances from NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur following closely behind.
Jammu and Kashmir secured a total of eight medals, including two gold, two silver, and four bronze medals. This achievement marks one of their best showings in national competitions, highlighting the state’s rising profile in water sports.
Star athletes Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain led the charge for Jammu and Kashmir, clinching double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. This victory comes on the heels of their previous success at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar, in August, where they also made headlines.
The Alleppey meet showcased 197 athletes, including 92 girls, competing fiercely across 96 medal events. Prominent SAI centres, including Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME, added to the event’s competitive spirit, significantly raising the stakes.
Officials noted that the Khelo India Water Sports Festival has boosted water sports fervour in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievements of participants during his “Mann Ki Baat” address in August, inspiring young athletes.
NCOE Alleppey dominated the championship, earning 24 gold and 15 silver medals between the senior and junior sections. NCOE Bhopal delivered commendable performances, securing 11 gold medals in the senior category and clinching the top spot in the sub-junior section with seven golds. Jagatpur rounded off the top three positions, showcasing notable prowess across various categories.
For context, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala stood as the top-performing states at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, further reflecting the expanding horizon of water sports talent nationwide. As the sport garners increased attention and support, athletes from Jammu and Kashmir look set for an exciting future in national and international water sports events.
