Delhi HC Asks Sports Ministry to Consider Dragon Boat for Khelo India

The Delhi High Court has asked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to consider a plea seeking inclusion of Dragon Boat Racing in the Khelo India Beach Games 2025, and decide on it before the event begins on May 19.

A bench led by Justice Sachin Dutta stated, "This Court is not inclined to issue a mandamus directing as to which game/s should be included or not in the Khelo India Beach Games, 2025. However, the respondent no.1/ Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is directed to treat the present writ petition as a representation and endeavour to accommodate the request of the petitioner."

Organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the Khelo India initiative, the 2025 edition of the Beach Games will be held at Diu’s Ghoghla Beach from May 19 to 24.

During the proceedings, Advocate Ajeeesh Kalathil Gopi, appearing for the petitioners, sought the indulgence of the court to include the sport of Dragon Boat Racing in the Khelo India Beach Games.

Although the court refused to issue mandamus compelling the inclusion of Dragon Boat Racing in the Khelo India Beach Games, 2025. However, it asked the Ministry of Sports to treat the present plea as a representation and consider it expeditiously.

Back in March, the High Court had also directed the Sports Ministry to ensure equal opportunities for male and female athletes in events organised by National Sports Federations. The court had passed the following directions while dealing with a plea alleging that there was unequal allocation of slots for male and female para-athletes in the 2nd Khelo India Para Games.

Case Title: DRAGON BOAT INDIA AND TRADITIONAL SPORTS FEDERATION DBI AND TSF v UNION OF INDIA & ANR.