Himachal to Host National Dragon Boat Championship at Gobind Sagar in 2026
BILASPUR: In a first for Himachal Pradesh, all is set for the 2026 National Dragon Boat Championship to be held at the scenic Gobind Sagar Lake in Bilaspur.
The event, scheduled for early January 2026, is expected to bring together more than 600 senior athletes from across the country, turning the reservoir into a major hub of competitive water sports.
Dragon boat racing, unlike conventional rowing or kayaking, is a high-intensity team sport where 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steersperson race in long, narrow boats inspired by ancient Asian traditions.
The rhythm of the drum sets the pace, demanding perfect coordination, stamina and teamwork—making it as much about unity as physical strength.
The decision to host the national championship was taken during a meeting of the Dragon Boat Himachal Pradesh and Traditional Sports Association held at the Bilaspur district headquarters.
The meeting was chaired by state general secretary Ritesh Ahlawalia, with association president Dr Rajeev Kumar as the chief guest.
Dr Rajeev Kumar said the championship would mark a new chapter for water sports in the hill state.
“Under the aegis of the Dragon Boat India and Traditional Sports Federation, the national-level championship will be organised at Gobind Sagar in 2026. Teams from almost all states, along with forces such as the Army, CRPF, BSF and Railways, will participate,” he said.
According to the organisers, competitions will be held in 1,000-metre, 500-metre and 200-metre races for both men and women.
“Nearly 600 senior players are expected to compete, making it one of the largest water sports events ever hosted by Himachal Pradesh,” Dr Kumar added.
Highlighting the long-term vision, he said dragon boats would start arriving from South India to Bilaspur in the first week of January.
“Beyond the championship, our focus is to take water sports to the grassroots. Players from different districts of Himachal Pradesh will be given free training in dragon boat racing and other water sports,” he said.
State vice-president Krishna Kumar Kasana and general secretary Ritesh Ahlawalia said Gobind Sagar Lake, with its vast expanse and calm waters, offers ideal conditions for dragon boat racing and has the potential to emerge as a national water sports destination.
Several association office-bearers, including Abhay Parashar, Mohit Sharma, Divyangana, Meena Sharma, Vandana Thakur and Danish, were present at the meeting.
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