Delhi HC Backs Push for Dragon Boat Racing in Khelo India Water Sports Festival
Court has asked MYAS to coordinate with Jammu & Kashmir authorities to consider including Dragon Boat Racing as a competitive sport in the Khelo India Water Sports Festival 2025, subject to logistical readiness;
The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to actively pursue inclusion of Dragon Boat Racing as a competitive discipline in the upcoming Khelo India Water Sports Festival at Dal Lake, Srinagar, from August 21–23, 2025.
Justice Sachin Datta was hearing a petition by Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation, claiming to be the sole internationally recognised national body for the sport in India, challenging its exclusion from the event’s competitive roster. The federation, affiliated with both the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) and the Asian Dragon Boat Federation (ADBF), argued that it represents India globally and has a presence in 24 states and Union Territories, including Jammu & Kashmir, with trained athletes, technical officials, and requisite equipment.
MYAS informed the court that Dragon Boat Racing was part of the Water Sports Festival only as a “demonstrative sport” since competitive events must follow rules of recognised National Sports Federations and depend on host state readiness.
The list of sports had been finalised on June 6, 2025, and any later additions would pose “significant administrative and logistical challenges".
Court noted the petitioner’s persistent efforts and the sport’s established international status. It acknowledged that while the federation is not yet a recognised NSF, this “does not impinge upon the necessity of promoting the concerned sport,” especially given its deep historical roots in India and alignment with Khelo India’s stated objective of reviving rural, indigenous, and tribal games.
The bench emphasised that the petitioner had demonstrated readiness to handle all technical and logistical aspects, including provision of boats, officials, selection camps, and infrastructure, without burdening the host state.
Issuing limited relief, the court ordered:
“The respondent no.1 is directed to pursue the matter with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir… for the inclusion of Dragon Boat Racing as a competitive sport in the said upcoming event… subject to the petitioner providing complete logistical and technical support… and subject to the approval/acquiescence of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir".
The MYAS was directed to “vigorously follow up” with the organisers and liaise with both the petitioner and the host UT.
However, court clarified that this arrangement is only for the August 2025 festival and does not create any rights regarding future recognition, grants, or participation in other events. The petition was disposed of accordingly.
Dragon Boat Racing is officially recognised internationally, having been part of the 6th Asian Beach Games and the 19th Asian Games.
Domestically, however, the sport has repeatedly been left out of major competitive events despite court interventions. In January 2023, the Kerala High Court had directed the Union government to decide on its inclusion in future events, but no concrete steps followed.
In May 2025, the Delhi High Court, in W.P.(C) 6382/2025, directed MYAS to consider the sport’s inclusion in the Khelo India Beach Games, but the ministry cited last-minute logistical constraints.
Case Title: Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation v. Union of India & Anr.
Date of Judgment: August 12, 2025
Bench: Justice Sachin Datta