Srinagar, Aug. 21 -- Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday declared the Khelo India Water Sports Festival (KIWSF) 2025 open through a video message.

The inaugural edition of the KIWSF got off to a sparkling start with a local shikarawalla, Mohsin Ali, winning the first gold medal of the Games, as per a release from Sai Media.

The three-day event, which concludes on August 23, features more than 500 athletes from 28 states and Union Territories competing in five events. Rowing, canoeing, and kayaking will have 24 medals up for grabs, while shikara sprints, dragon boat races, and water skiing are listed as demonstration events.

The opening ceremony was held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convocati...