Jammu and Kashmir displayed remarkable talent at the 10th All India Inter-Sports Authority of India (SAI) Kayaking and Canoeing Championships, concluding with a strong fourth overall finish in the senior category. The event wrapped up today at the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE), Alleppey, with athletes across the nation competing for top honors.
The four-day championship attracted athletes from eight SAI centres across India, highlighting the country’s best in water sports. With intense competition, NCOE Alleppey emerged as overall champions, closely followed by esteemed centres NCOE Bhopal and NCOE Jagatpur.
In total, Jammu and Kashmir’s athletes garnered eight medals, including two gold, two silver, and four bronze, marking a significant achievement at the national level.
A standout moment in J&K’s campaign came from Mohammad Hussain and Sajad Hussain, who clinched double gold in the senior men’s canoe doubles 200m and 500m events. Their success follows an impressive performance at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival, held in August at Dal Lake, Srinagar.
The Alleppey meet featured 197 athletes, including 92 girls, and comprised 96 medal events. Significant participation came from prominent SAI centres in Bhopal, Jagatpur, Port Blair, Bilaspur, Roorkee, and EME.
Officials attributed the surge in interest for water sports to events like the Khelo India Water Sports Festival. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the achievement of event participants during his August “Mann Ki Baat” address, encouraging young athletes across the nation.
Numerically, NCOE Alleppey dominated with 24 gold and 15 silver medals across both senior and junior categories. NCOE Bhopal secured 11 golds in the senior category and led the sub-junior section with seven golds, while Jagatpur also finished strong, placing among the top three in various categories.
For context, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and Kerala led as top-performing states at the earlier Khelo India Water Sports Festival, showcasing the growing reservoir of talent in water sports throughout India.