Jammu and Kashmir showcased its burgeoning water sports talent by finishing fourth overall in 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 prestigious championship spanned four days and witnessed participation from eight SAI centres across India, bringing together some of the nation’s finest athletes. NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champion, proving its prowess by bagging a total of 24 gold and 15 silver medals. Following closely, NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur delivered strong performances, reinforcing their positions in the sport.
Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes made their mark in this competitive event by securing a commendable total of eight medals—comprising two gold, two silver, and four bronze. This accomplishment signals one of the best outings for the region on a national scale, highlighting its potential in water sports.
A standout moment of J&K’s campaign was the exceptional performance by Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain. The duo clinched double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events, marking a significant milestone in their sporting careers.
Earlier, the pair had garnered attention for their outstanding display during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Dal Lake, Srinagar, in August. Their success has boosted interest in water sports within the region and across India.
Alleppey witnessed intense competition with 197 athletes, including 92 female competitors, vying across 96 medal events. This year’s championship saw representation from notable SAI centres such as Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME.Khelo India Water Sports Festival was a significant boost for water sports in India, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized event achievers in his Mann Ki Baat address last August.
In terms of overall performance, NCOE Alleppey dominated the event, solidifying its status as a key player in the promotion of water sports in India. The achievements of NCOE Bhopal in securing eleven gold medals in the senior category and leading the sub-junior section with seven gold medals further underscored the strength of competing SAI centres.
For context, it is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala stood out as the top-performing states during the earlier Khelo India Water Sports Festival, illustrating the growing pool of talent in water sports across the country. As competitions like these continue to gain momentum, they serve as crucial platforms for athletes in India to showcase their skills and make strides in the global arena.
