Jammu and Kashmir showcased remarkable talent at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, finishing fourth overall in the senior category on February 26, 2023, in Alleppey. The championship featured participants from eight SAI centres across India, underlining the competitive spirit of this national sporting event.
Hosting the championship, NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champion, followed closely by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur. Athletes from Jammu and Kashmir delivered an impressive display, contributing to the competition’s excitement.
With a total of eight medals, comprised of two gold, two silver, and four bronze, J&K had one of its best performances at the national level. The highlight was the dynamic duo, Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who took home double gold victories in both the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events.
This success mirrors the momentum gained from their previous triumph at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held at Dal Lake, Srinagar, in August 2022. Their performances there set high expectations for this national event.
The championship brought together 197 athletes, including 92 girls, competing fiercely across 96 medal events. This robust participation demonstrates the growing popularity and skill in water sports across India, with significant representation from prominent SAI centres like Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME.
Officials praised the Khelo India Water Sports Festival for significantly boosting the exposure and development of water sports in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the successes of festival participants during his Mann Ki Baat address in August, highlighting the importance of nurturing sporting talent in the nation.
NCOE Alleppey led the medal tally by achieving 24 gold and 15 silver medals across senior and junior events. Meanwhile, NCOE Bhopal closely followed with 11 golds in the senior category and topped the sub-junior section, bringing home seven gold medals. Jagatpur also secured a place among the top three in various categories.
For context, the states of Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala excelled at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, emphasizing the diversity and depth of water sports talent emerging across the country.
