Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) showcased exemplary talent at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, clinching fourth overall in the senior category during the event, which concluded today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey.
The four-day championship, held from October 20 to 23, 2023, attracted participation from eight SAI centres nationwide, bringing together some of the finest water sports athletes in India. The events took place against the picturesque backdrop of Alleppey’s backwaters, making it a feast for water sports enthusiasts.
NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champion, followed by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur, who gave tough competition to other teams.
Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes earned a total of eight medals during the championship — comprising two golds, two silvers, and four bronzes. This marks one of the region’s finest performances at the national level, raising hopes for a stronger future in water sports.
The highlight of J&K’s medal tally was a spectacular performance by Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who showcased extraordinary skill and teamwork, bringing home double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their remarkable ride at the current championship follows their success at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Dal Lake, Srinagar, in August 2023.
The event in Alleppey saw participation from 197 athletes, including 92 girls, highlighting an increase in female representation in water sports. The competition featured a total of 96 medal events, showcasing the hard work and dedication of athletes across multiple SAI centres, including Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME.
Officials emphasized that initiatives like the Khelo India Water Sports Festival significantly boost the profile of water sports in India. This year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievements of athletes during his Mann Ki Baat address in August, injecting motivation and striving for excellence among young sports enthusiasts.
One cannot overlook the dominance of NCOE Alleppey at this championship, as they secured 24 gold and 15 silver medals in senior and junior sections respectively. NCOE Bhopal closely followed, winning 11 golds in senior categories while also achieving top position in the sub-junior section by seizing seven golds.
Jammu and Kashmir’s performance indicates a promising future for the state’s water sports, with increasing investment and attention from state authorities. It aligns with the enhanced sporting infrastructure across India, amplifying the reach and appeal of disciplines like kayaking and canoeing.
For record-keeping, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the top-performing states in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, showcasing the growing talent pool in aquatic sports throughout the country. This trend highlights the potential for water sports to evolve as a significant area of sporting expertise in India, nurturing athletes who can compete on international platforms.
