PM Modi Praises J-K Sports Festival at Dal Lake; Affirms Pratibha Setu Portal Aids UPSC Aspires in Recovery

In the picturesque Dal Lake of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, the first edition of the Khelo India Water Sports Festival took place from August 21 to 23, 2025. Over 800 athletes, including 400 from across India, competed in various water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, rowing, and more.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the occasion, praising the spirit of the event and expressing gratitude towards the athletes' dedication. He spoke to participants, including Rasmita Sahoo from Odisha and Mohsin Ali of Srinagar, commending their achievements.

The competition saw Madhya Pradesh emerging as the top medal-winning state, followed by Haryana and Odisha. Mohsin Ali, the Gold medal winner from Srinagar, expressed his pride in his achievement and shared his dream of winning an Olympic medal for India.

In a related development, the Prime Minister's 125th episode of Mann Ki Baat was currently streaming on his social media accounts. He expressed his sadness over the recent floods and landslides caused by the Monsoon in various parts of the country. He also highlighted the use of solar panels by farmers, people, and mills in the country.

Meanwhile, in a strategic initiative for UPSC aspirants who missed clearing the exam by a narrow margin, the Pratibha Setu Portal was introduced. The portal houses the data of 10,000 promising candidates, and thousands have already secured jobs through this platform.

Elsewhere, a woman from Bihar's Muzaffarpur, Devaki, built solar pumps for her village, irrigating over 40 acres of land and boosting the income of the farmers. Her initiative is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance.

Prime Minister Modi also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, and other security personnel during the monsoon-related disasters. He praised their dedication and commended their role in rescue operations.

In a surprising turn of events, Dietmar Beiersdorfer, a German Football player and coach, offered to train players from Madhya Pradesh's Shahdol in an academy in Germany. This opportunity promises to foster international collaboration and enhance the skills of Indian athletes.

Lastly, PM Modi mentioned the first day-night cricket match in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, stating that it was once impossible but is now possible due to the changing country. The match was part of the Royal Premier League.

The Khelo India Water Sports Festival in Srinagar was a testament to India's growing prowess in sports and the nation's spirit of resilience and progress. The Prime Minister's words of encouragement to the young athletes echoed the nation's hope for a bright future in sports.

PM Modi Praises J-K Sports Festival at Dal Lake; Affirms Pratibha Setu Portal Aids UPSC Aspires in Recovery