Update: Basohli Utsav Adds Rowing, Kayaking and Canoeing Demonstrations at the Water Sports Complex

The story so far

Basohli Utsav 2026 ran from 19 to 21 October in Kathua district, opening with a bike rally from Jammu's Tawi riverfront. Our earlier preview, Basohli Utsav 2026 Brings Live Cartooning to the Ravi Town, listed the cultural line-up.

What's new

On Tuesday, 20 October, the J&K Sports Council held demonstrations of rowing, kayaking and canoeing at the Water Sports Complex during the Utsav. Council coaches ran the sessions, supervised by the Sports Officer Central, the Divisional Sports Officer and expert coaches under the Council's Secretary, Tazayun Mukhtar (JKAS). A council statement said the event drew a large crowd of sports fans, residents and visitors; no figure was given.

Ms Mukhtar said: “our endeavor is to introduce local youth to professional water sports like rowing, kayaking, and canoeing,” and said the council is committed to “creating regular competitive platforms across Jammu & Kashmir.” The council describes its aim as helping young athletes compete at national and international level and positioning Basohli as a destination for water sports.

What has not been announced

No training schedule, trial dates or enrolment process were given. If you want to try these sports, the council's Jammu office is the place to ask once details are published.

Source: Greater Kashmir, 20 October 2026 (photo: DIPR J&K).