Jammu and Kashmir showcased remarkable talent at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, securing fourth overall in the senior category on Sunday at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey. The event concluded after four days filled with fierce competition among top water sports athletes.
With participation from eight SAI centres nationwide, the championship featured some of India’s finest in water sports. The host, NCOE Alleppey, emerged as overall champions, followed by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur, which underscored the competitive spirit of the event.
Dive into the details: Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes clinched an impressive tally of eight medals, including two gold, two silver, and four bronze. This achievement marks one of their most successful outings in national competitions.
A standout moment for J&K came from the duo of Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who earned double gold in both the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their stellar performance echoed their earlier success during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar in August.
The championship in Alleppey drew 197 athletes, including 92 girls, competing across 96 medal events. Prominent SAI centres from Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME also participated, adding to the championship’s prestige.
Officials noted that the Khelo India Water Sports Festival significantly boosted water sports in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier recognized its achievers during his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, which further increased interest in this segment.
Dominating the event, NCOE Alleppey claimed an impressive 24 gold and 15 silver medals across both senior and junior sections. Close behind, NCOE Bhopal secured 11 golds in the senior category and led the sub-junior section with seven golds. Jagatpur finished within the top three across all categories, reflecting the intense competition this event nurtured.
For context, previous notable performances at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival came from Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala, showcasing the nation’s expanding landscape of water sports talent.
The achievements of Jammu and Kashmir athletes at the recent championships illustrate not only their individual skill but also the growing emphasis on water sports within the region. As more athletes engage and excel, the future looks promising for kayaking and canoeing in India.
In conclusion, the successful participation of J&K at this championship serves as a testament to the dedication and training of its athletes. With support and recognition, they are poised to shine even brighter on the national and international stage.