Jammu and Kashmir achieved a remarkable feat at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, finishing fourth overall in the senior category on the final day of competition at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey. The championship drew competitors from eight SAI centres nationwide, highlighting India’s rising talent in water sports.
The four-day championship showcased fierce competition among various regions, with NCOE Alleppey ultimately taking the title of overall champions. They secured the top spot followed closely by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur.
Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes excelled during the championship, bringing home a total of eight medals, comprising two golds, two silvers, and four bronzes. This strong showing stands as one of their best performances at the national level.
The highlight of their campaign was the impressive double gold achieved by Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their success in Alleppey follows their recognition at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held in August at the serene Dal Lake in Srinagar.
This year’s event in Alleppey saw competition from 197 athletes including 92 female competitors, across an extensive range of 96 medal events. Participants came together from prominent SAI centres including Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and the EME.
Officials praised the impact of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival in propelling interest and talent in water sports across India. The event gained national attention after Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged its achievers during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast in August.
NCOE Alleppey dominated the championships, amassing an impressive 24 gold medals along with 15 silver medals in both senior and junior divisions. NCOE Bhopal secured the second place, winning 11 golds in the senior category and topping the sub-junior section with seven gold medals.
Other notable achievements came from NCOE Jagatpur, which consistently placed among the top three across all categories throughout the championship.
The Khelo India Water Sports Festival has not only spotlighted local talents but also indicated the would-be growth trajectory of water sports in various states. This year, states such as Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as leaders in demonstrating substantial talent and competitive prowess in kayaking and canoeing.
