J&K’s Pride: 17-Year-Old Shikara Rower’s Unforgettable Khelo India Gold Medal

In a heartwarming milestone for Jammu and Kashmir, 17-year-old Mohsin Ali Kand, a local shikara rower from Srinagar, clinched the territory’s first-ever gold medal at the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025. This remarkable achievement, earned in the men’s 1000-meter kayaking event held on the iconic Dal Lake, has brought immense pride to the region and sparked fresh hope for the youth in water sports.

Key Highlights Of Mohsin Ali’s Golden Triumph

Mohsin completed the race in 4 minutes 12.717 seconds, outpacing competitors from other states, including Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

A student of Class 12 at Srinagar’s SP Higher Secondary School, Mohsin rows shikaras on Dal Lake daily after school to financially support his training and diet.

His father, Fida Hussain Kand, a carpenter by profession, has been a strong pillar encouraging Mohsin’s sporting dreams.

Coach Bilquis Mir, an Olympian and former international athlete, praised Mohsin’s dedication and predicted a bright future at national and international competitions.

Mohsin attributes his endurance and skill to training in the high-altitude waters of Dal Lake, giving him an advantage over athletes from plains regions.

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival hosted six sporting categories including kayaking, canoeing, shikara races, water skiing, and dragon boat races.

The event has drawn more than 500 athletes from 28 states and union territories competing at the scenic Sheri Kashmir International Convocation Centre and Dal Lake venues.

The Home Ministry and Sports Ministry lauded the achievement as a testament to Kashmiri youths’ resilience and talent in sports beyond cricket and football.

The victory marks a significant step in aligning with the government’s “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” vision, promoting unity and excellence across India’s diverse regions.

Why This Victory Matters Beyond The Medal

Mohsin’s success symbolizes opportunity and inspiration not only for aspiring athletes in Kashmir but also for promoting lesser-known sports like kayaking and shikara racing nationally. It shines a light on how grassroots sporting programs such as Khelo India are identifying and nurturing talent even in regions with socio-political challenges.

Government Initiatives Supporting Such Talents

The Khelo India programme, launched to develop sporting culture at the grassroots level, provides financial assistance, talent scouting, and infrastructure development, which directly helped Mohsin and many others realize their potential.

Looking Ahead: Mohsin’s Ambitions And The Future Of Water Sports In J&K

Mohsin dreams of representing India at the Asian Games, World Championships, and Olympics. This gold medal is just the beginning, catalyzing broader support for water sports in Jammu and Kashmir and encouraging more youths to pursue sporting excellence.

Conclusion

Mohsin Ali’s golden triumph at Khelo India embodies the spirit of perseverance, talent, and hope. His journey from rowing shikaras on Dal Lake to standing atop the national podium inspires a generation and highlights the transformative power of sport in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources: The CSR Journal, Times of India, Newsonair, Telangana Today, PIB