Delhi HC Directs Inclusion of ‘Dragon Boat Racing’ in Khelo India Water Sports Festival

In a petition by the Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation, the Delhi High Court, by order dated August 12, 2025, directed the Union Government to pursue the inclusion of dragon boat racing as a competitive sport in the first-ever Khelo India Water Sports Festival, with the host, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.[1]

The direction was made subject to:

• the petitioner federation providing full logistical and technical support, including boats, trained officials, selection camps, and infrastructure, without causing inconvenience to the host; and
• the approval/acquiescence of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was also directed to liaise with the petitioner federation and the organisers.

The Court’s decision was based on several factors: the federation’s active involvement in the sport and affiliations, dragon boat racing’s recognition in international events, its deep historical roots in Northeast and South India, the objectives of the Khelo India Programme, and the petitioner’s readiness to provide complete logistical and technical support. Moreover, previous efforts to secure inclusion had failed only due to logistical reasons and time constraints.

Subsequently, the Indian Kayaking & Canoeing Association (IKCA) applied for modification of the order, asserting itself as the sole nationally authorised and internationally recognised body for the sport of dragon boat. The Court noted IKCA’s past role in organising dragon boat events and its efforts for the sport’s inclusion in the Srinagar event. It directed that the host UT may also avail IKCA’s assistance in organising dragon boat events at the Festival.

Ultimately, the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, held at Srinagar’s iconic Dal Lake from August 21–23, featured six sports: rowing, canoeing, and kayaking (medal events), along with water skiing, shikara sprint, and dragon boat racing (demonstration events).

[1] Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation v. Union of India & Anr. [W.P.(C) 11189/2025].