Srinagar, Aug. 18 -- The first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival is all set to reveal the iconic Dal Lake in a new avatar. Jammu and Kashmir's quest to emerge as a sporting destination will get a major boost when Dal Lake hosts the Water Games, its maiden major national-level Open competition, from August 21-23.

More than 400 athletes from 36 states and Union Territories will be taking part in three medal events - rowing, kayaking and canoeing. The Union sports ministry's endeavour to promote sports activities in Jammu and Kashmir has already established Gulmarg as a top winter sports hub. The ski resort has already hosted five iterations of the Khelo India Winter Games, and now Dal Lake will be aspiring to become a water sports des...