Srinagar, Aug. 21 -- The inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) began today at the iconic Dal Lake here.
The event kicked off with a cultural extravaganza showcasing traditional dances of various states of India.
The three-day event will see more than 400 water sport athletes competing for the medal events - rowing, canoeing and kayaking.
In total 36 states and Union Territories are in contention.
To add to the fun of the Water Games, there will be three demonstration events- water skiing, shikhara boat spring and dragon boat race.
Former Indian kayaking international Bijender Singh in an exclusive chat with UNI stressed the importance of sports like kayaking and canoeing.
"Canoeing itself has 16 medals in Olympics and ...