Jammu and Kashmir showcased remarkable talent 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 took place at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey, and concluded on March 5, 2023.
Over four days, the championship attracted participation from eight SAI centres from across India, highlighting the growing popularity of water sports. NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champion, with NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur following closely.
Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes delivered their best performance yet, bringing home a total of eight medals — two gold, two silver, and four bronze. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the region in national competitions.
The standout performers for Jammu and Kashmir included Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who clinched double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their victories reflect the intense training and preparedness that the athletes have embraced.
Prior to this championship, Hussain and Hussain gained attention during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar, in August 2022, where they showcased their potential.
The Alleppey championship included 197 athletes, including 92 girls, who competed fiercely across 96 medal events. Participating centres included notable names such as Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME.
Officials noted that the Khelo India Water Sports Festival has significantly contributed to the development of water sports across India. Following the festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the festival’s athletes in his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, motivating many to pursue excellence in this sport.
NCOE Alleppey dominated the medal tally, bagging 24 gold and 15 silver medals in both the senior and junior sections. NCOE Bhopal closely followed with 11 golds in the senior category and topped the sub-junior section tally with seven golds. Jagatpur also made a commendable showing across various categories.
Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala stood out as the top-performing states at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, reflecting the increasing prowess of water sports talent nationwide. As water sports gain popularity, events like these significantly encourage and inspire young athletes.
