SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 14: A traditional women’s boat race was organised at the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar to promote women’s empowerment, encourage participation in sports and preserve Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
The event was organised by the District Administration Srinagar in collaboration with the Water Sports Association and the Department of Lakes and Waterways.
Around 149 boats participated in the competition, with women from communities living around Dal Lake showcasing their rowing skills, enthusiasm and sporting spirit.
The initiative aimed to provide local women, particularly those residing in the Dal Lake area, with an opportunity to demonstrate their talent and participate in sporting activities. It also highlighted the role of sports in promoting women’s confidence, community engagement and active participation in public life.
The event further celebrated Kashmir’s traditional water culture, with boats remaining an important part of the daily lives and livelihoods of Dal Lake residents for generations.
Vice Chairman of the Lakes Conservation and Management Authority, Khursheed Ahmad Shah, said this was the second edition of the women’s boat race and such events would continue in the future.
He appreciated the enthusiasm shown by young women participants and said the initiative was also aimed at promoting tourism in the region.
Water sports coach Bilkes Mir welcomed the initiative and said several girls who had never participated in a boat race before had come forward to take part in the competition.
She thanked the district administration for supporting the event and expressed hope that the race would become an annual feature and eventually reach different parts of the country.
One of the participants also shared her experience, saying that although the competition was challenging, the participants had worked hard and thoroughly enjoyed the event.
The participation of nearly 150 boats turned the competition into a major community sporting celebration, showcasing the talent, determination and confidence of women from the Dal Lake region.
