Srinagar, Aug. 21 -- Three-day-long Khelo India Water Sports Festival is all set to start on Thursday at Dal Lake. With more than 800 athletes and officials from across 28 states and Union Territories participating, the event will give a much needed boost to water sports development in the Kashmir valley. Rowing, canoeing and kayaking have remained on the margins of sports activity in the Valley. Despite the presence of natural water bodies, the infrastructure and competitive exposure have been limited. Bringing athletes from across the country to compete in Srinagar will immediately raise the standard of competition. Local athletes will not only measure themselves against national benchmarks but also learn from the techniques and trainin...