India’s winter sports scene is undergoing a transformation like never before. This season, the nation is set to see the highest number of Indian athletes competing in international winter sports events, a leap driven by the inspiring legacy of Arif Khan, who represented India at the 2022 Winter Olympics.With its vast mountain ranges stretching over 3,000 kilometers, India holds natural potential for winter sports. Yet, due to limited infrastructure, governance issues, and a lack of tradition, the country has only a few established winter sports destinations, like Manali, Kashmir, and Auli—the latter being India’s only International Ski Federation (FIS)-approved slope and the venue for the national games in 2025.
The sport’s growth has been fueled by the dedication of key figures like Shiva Keshavan, a pioneer in Indian luge; Arif Khan; and Bhavani Thekkada, India’s leading Nordic skier. Together, they’ve pushed for more funding and opportunities, with Khelo India Winter Games seeing 700 athletes last year. This year, multiple national events and international development camps are helping Indian athletes prepare for bigger platforms like the 2026 Olympics in Milan.Bhavani Thekkada’s journey is particularly inspiring. Asia
mountaineer by profession, she discovered skiing only in 2020 but went on to clinch gold at the national championships. Training out of her tropical hometown Coorg, her perseverance has inspired many. Her goal? To represent India at the Olympics and pave the way for young Indian athletes in winter sports.As India breaks new ground, challenges like unpredictable weather and high training costs remain. But with increasing support from the FIS and the government, the country is on the cusp of a winter sports revolution. A bigger team for Milan in 2026, with hopes to compete in France by 2030, could finally mark India’s rise in global winter sports.
