Prime Minister Modi Celebrates Khelo India Water Sports Festival Success

Highlighting the Khelo India Water Sports Festival

On August 31, during the 125th episode of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the achievements of the inaugural Khelo India Water Sports Festival, which took place at the picturesque Dal Lake in Srinagar.

To provide a more immersive experience for listeners, PM Modi engaged with two athletes: Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha and Moshin Ali from Srinagar.

“To share the essence of this event, I wanted to connect with two participants. One is Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha, and the other is Moshin Ali from Srinagar,” the Prime Minister remarked.

Rasmita Sahoo, a talented canoeist, recounted her journey in the sport.

“I am a canoeing athlete. I began my sports journey in 2017 and have competed at the national level, including National Championships and National Games. I have earned 41 medals: 13 Gold, 14 Silver, and 14 Bronze,” she shared.

Reflecting on how she found her passion for canoeing, Rasmita explained, “I hail from a village with limited sports opportunities. While swimming in a nearby river, I noticed a canoeing-kayaking boat passing by. I was intrigued and immediately told my father I wanted to pursue this sport.”

Moshin Ali, a local athlete from Srinagar, expressed his joy at winning a gold medal.

“I am thrilled to have secured a Gold Medal in the Khelo India event, which was held for the first time in Kashmir. The community is buzzing about it, and my family is overjoyed. Everyone in Kashmir refers to me as a Gold Medalist,” he stated.

Mohsin clinched the gold in the K-1 1000m men's kayaking event.

Despite his family's financial struggles, they wholeheartedly support his participation in water sports. The SAI center at Nehru Park, situated by Dal Lake, plays a crucial role in nurturing the careers of aspiring water sports athletes.

Mohsin has been training at the SAI Nehru Park Centre, refining his skills under the mentorship of experienced water sports coaches.