Delhi HC boosts Dragon Boat Racing’s inclusion in Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake 2025, marking a big step for indigenous sports and competitive recognition in India.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to actively pursue the inclusion of Dragon Boat Racing as a competitive sport in the upcoming Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Srinagar (August 21–23, 2025).
Background of the Case
The order came in response to a petition filed by Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation, which claims to be the sole internationally recognised national body representing the sport in India. The federation is affiliated with the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) and the Asian Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF) and has representation across 24 states and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir.
The petitioner argued that the exclusion of Dragon Boat Racing from the competitive roster was unjustified, particularly as the federation already has trained athletes, technical officials, and the necessary equipment to conduct events at an international standard.
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MYAS Stand: Only a Demonstrative Sport
The Ministry informed the Court that Dragon Boat Racing was included only as a demonstrative sport for the festival. According to MYAS, competitive events must comply with the rules of recognised National Sports Federations (NSFs), and the final list of sports for the Dal Lake festival had been locked on June 6, 2025. Any last-minute changes, they claimed, would create significant administrative and logistical challenges.
Court’s Observations
Justice Sachin Datta recognised the persistent efforts of the petitioner and emphasised that Dragon Boat Racing already enjoys established international recognition. While acknowledging that the petitioner is not a recognised NSF, the Court stated this “does not impinge upon the necessity of promoting the concerned sport,” particularly as Khelo India’s mission is to revive rural, indigenous, and tribal games.
The Court also noted that the petitioner had shown readiness to handle all logistical and technical responsibilities, including providing boats, conducting selection camps, arranging officials, and setting up infrastructure, without creating any additional burden on the host state.
Court’s Directions
Issuing limited relief, the Court directed:
- MYAS to pursue with the UT of Jammu & Kashmir for the sport’s inclusion as a competitive discipline.
- Inclusion will be subject to the petitioner’s full logistical and technical support and the UT’s approval/acquiescence.
- MYAS must vigorously follow up with the organisers and coordinate with both the petitioner and the UT.
Importantly, the Court clarified that this arrangement is only for the August 2025 festival and does not automatically extend to future recognition, financial grants, or participation in other events.
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Dragon Boat Racing: An Internationally Recognised Sport
Globally, Dragon Boat Racing is a celebrated water sport and has featured in prestigious events like the 6th Asian Beach Games and the 19th Asian Games. In India, however, the sport continues to face challenges in securing competitive recognition despite repeated court interventions:
In May 2025, the Delhi High Court in W.P.(C) 6382/2025 had similarly asked MYAS to consider its inclusion in the Khelo India Beach Games—but the ministry cited logistical hurdles.
In January 2023, the Kerala High Court directed the Union government to decide on the sport’s inclusion in future events.
Case Title:
Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation v. Union of India & Anr.
W.P.(C) 11189/2025
READ JUDGMENT HERE
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