Jammu and Kashmir showcased extraordinary 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 athletes from J&K claimed fourth overall in the senior category among fierce competitors from eight SAI centres across India.
This four-day championship brought together over 197 athletes, including 92 girls, competing in 96 medal events, highlighting the rising standards of water sports in India. The championship saw NCOE Alleppey emerging as the overall champions, clinching a significant victory with an impressive tally of 24 gold and 15 silver medals across both senior and junior sections.
NCOE Bhopal followed with an impressive collection of 11 golds in the senior category, while also securing the top spot in the sub-junior section. NCOE Jagatpur rounded out the top three with commendable performances, emphasizing the competitiveness and skill present in Indian water sports.
Jammu and Kashmir’s delegation achieved remarkable success, earning a total of eight medals with two golds, two silvers, and four bronzes. The exceptional efforts of Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who struck double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events, stood out and captured the attention of water sports enthusiasts throughout the nation.
The duo previously made headlines at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar in August, building upon their success with a compelling performance at the Alleppey meet. Their victories here reaffirmed their status as leading figures within the J&K water sports community.
Officials emphasize that the Khelo India Water Sports Festival has significantly boosted the profile of water sports in India. This initiative, which received commendation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, aims to elevate aquatic sports at grassroots levels across the country.
As the event concluded, stakeholders applauded the overall organization and competitive spirit demonstrated throughout the championship. The commitment shown by local athletes serves as a promising indicator of the future of kayaking and canoeing sports in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
The National Centre of Excellence’s strong performances, especially by Maharashtra, Odisha, and Kerala—who excelled overall in the previous Khelo India Water Sports Festival—highlight the expanding framework of talent scouting and development in water sports through such national competitions.
