Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) captivated audiences with an impressive performance at 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. J&K finished fourth overall in the senior category, participating alongside athletes from eight SAI centres nationwide.
The four-day tournament saw fierce competition and showcased some of India’s finest kayaking and canoeing talent. NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champions, accumulating a remarkable tally of 24 gold and 15 silver medals. Following closely were NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur, who also delivered stellar performances.
In total, Jammu and Kashmir athletes managed to win eight medals—two gold, two silver, and four bronze—marking one of their best outings at the national level. The standout performers were Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who boasted double gold wins in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events, further solidifying their status in the sport.
Hussain and Hussain previously gained attention for their exceptional skills during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival at the scenic Dal Lake, Srinagar in August. Their recent victories highlight the continuous progress of Jammu and Kashmir in national sports arenas.
The Alleppey championship enlisted 197 athletes, including 92 female competitors, battling for honors across 96 medal events. Other prominent participating centres included Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME as they vied for national titles.
Officials noted the significant impact of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival on promoting water sports throughout India. The event gained national recognition after Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged its achievers in his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, providing a boost to aspiring athletes.
NCOE Alleppey’s performance was nothing short of dominating, claiming an impressive number of medals and securing their top position among competing centres. NCOE Bhopal, with 11 golds in the senior category and topping the sub-junior section with seven golds, significantly contributed to the competition’s overall excitement. Similarly, NCOE Jagatpur secured a place among the top three centres across all categories, indicating the competitiveness of the event.
The growing participation in this festive sporting event reflects a significant interest in water sports, particularly in states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala, which emerged as the top-performing states during the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. This development underscores India’s expanding athletic landscape, especially in water sports, engaging a broader audience and nurturing talent in regions once deemed less competitive.
As J&K athletes continue to excel in kayaking and canoeing, their achievements serve as inspiration to future generations, encouraging further participation and support for water sports across the country.
