In a first, KISCE to add training facilities for kayaking, canoeing in Srinagar

New Delhi, May 22: In crucial progress to strengthen the already commendable performance of athletes of Jammu and Kashmir in kayaking and canoeing, the Sports Ministry decided to include these water sports at the Khelo India State Center of Excellence (KISCE) in Srinagar. It came after the J&K Sports Council and the state government had requested for these sports to be added. Earlier, the KISCE, which was launched in April 202, had training facilities only for rowing.

 

 

Speaking about the decision, Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju said, "The performance of athletes from the state in kayaking and canoeing have been impressive in international competitions such as the World Championships and the Asian Championship. It has been decided to equip the KISCE in Srinagar with training facilities for the two disciplines so that more sporting talent from the state have the opportunity to excel in the sport and represent India in world-class competition."

 

 

Speaking about the development, Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha said, “We want to ensure maximum utilisation of the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Srinagar so that more athletes can be trained here. The addition of these two sporting disciplines will enable greater participation and also draw sporting talent from other states to train here. I am happy that the Sports Ministry and the state Government have worked together to make this possible.”

 

It should be noted that kayaking, canoeing, and rowing together have a total of 63 medals in the Olympics. Due to these training facilities, India’s medal haul in the Olympics can go up significantly. The equipment of these sports are very expensive and therefore support through the Khelo India Scheme will be really beneficial. Also, Kashmir is a very strategic location for the academy since the weather matches with European countries where most competitions are held.

 

International-level Kayak from the state, Bilquis Mir says. "The decision to have the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence in Srinagar has historic significance. I have been attached to water sports for 21 years and it is for the first time that so much has been done to provide proper training facilities in the state."

 

He further added, "In 2009 I competed in the World Cup and reached the semi-finals. If we had these kinds of facilities at that time, I am sure we could have held a place in the finals too. The launch of the KISCE and now the inclusion of kayaking and canoeing will enthuse young athletes of the sport and I am sure we will be able to attain a podium finish in the Olympics in the years to come. I thank the Centre and the state for this initiative."