Jammu and Kashmir triumphed at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, finishing fourth overall in the senior category. The event concluded today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey, marking a significant achievement for the region’s athletes.
The four-day championship attracted athletes from eight SAI centres across the country, who showcased some of India’s finest talent in water sports. The hosting NCOE Alleppey emerged as the overall champion, closely followed by NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur.
During this competitive meet, Jammu and Kashmir secured an impressive total of eight medals, which included two gold, two silver, and four bronze. This performance marks one of J&K’s most successful outings in national competitions.
The standout achievement of the Jammu and Kashmir team came from the duo of Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who clinched a double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their prowess on water drew attention, as they also excelled at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival held at Dal Lake, Srinagar back in August.
The championships in Alleppey featured 197 athletes, including 92 girls, and included 96 medal events. It depended on participation from prominent SAI centres including Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME, fostering a spirit of competition across the board.
Officials noted that events like the Khelo India Water Sports Festival have significantly boosted the profile of water sports in India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recognized the achievements from this festival in his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, further inspiring young athletes.
In terms of performance, NCOE Alleppey dominated the championship, carrying home 24 gold and 15 silver medals across both senior and junior competitions. NCOE Bhopal followed with an impressive 11 golds in the senior category, while also topping the sub-junior section with seven golds, demonstrating the competitive edge among these centres.
For context, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala emerged as the top-performing states at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Their successes highlight the growing strength and potential of water sports talent across India, offering a promising future for athletes pursuing these disciplines.
