Jammu and Kashmir showcased exceptional talent at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, finishing fourth overall in the senior category. This prestigious event concluded today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey.
The championship spanned four days and attracted participation from eight SAI centres across the country, making it a platform for some of India’s finest water sports talents. The hosts, NCOE Alleppey, emerged as overall champions, delivering a strong performance followed by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur.
Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes made a significant impact by securing a total of eight medals — two gold, two silver, and four bronze. This marked one of their best outings at the national level, reflecting the region’s budding prowess in competitive water sports.
The standout performers were Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who clinched a remarkable double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their earlier success at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Dal Lake, Srinagar, in August had already put them in the spotlight.
During the Alleppey meet, featuring 197 athletes, including 92 girls, the competition level was intense across 96 medal events. Notable SAI centres from Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME actively participated, contributing to the thrilling atmosphere.
Officials credited the Khelo India Water Sports Festival for significantly boosting water sports in India. This surge in popularity received further endorsement when Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the event’s achievers in his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, highlighting the government’s commitment to promoting sports.
NCOE Alleppey dominated the championship, winning a total of 24 gold and 15 silver medals across both senior and junior sections. NCOE Bhopal closely followed, clinching 11 golds in the senior category and topping the sub-junior section with seven golds. Meanwhile, Jagatpur secured a top-three finish across all categories, illustrating the competitive landscape of this championship.
For perspective, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the top-performing states at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, reflecting the nation’s growing strength in water sports talent. This highlights an encouraging trend of increasing interest and capability in aquatic sports across the country.
