Himachal Pradesh’s Snow Warriors Script a Remarkable Rise at the Khelo India Winter Games

Gulmarg — Himachal Pradesh’s journey across the first five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games reflects determination, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection with the mountains. Since the Games began in 2020, the state has transformed from a modest participant into a formidable medal contender, steadily challenging established winter sports powerhouses.

The inaugural 2020 edition, hosted in Jammu and Kashmir, blended celebration with competition. With its strong snow-sport legacy, the host region dominated the medal tally. Himachal Pradesh’s presence was limited but meaningful, offering its athletes valuable exposure at the national level.

By the 2021 edition, Himachal’s representation had expanded significantly, with over 1,000 competitors and stronger institutional backing. Though still emerging, the state began showing early promise in Alpine and Nordic disciplines, hinting at greater accomplishments ahead.

The third edition in 2023 marked Himachal Pradesh’s first major breakthrough. Competing against seasoned winter sports states, the team secured 10 gold, 14 silver, and 7 bronze medals, finishing third overall. It was a turning point — Himachal’s athletes were no longer just participants but credible national contenders. The Alpine slopes, once dominated by traditional giants, now saw the Himachali flag flying alongside them.

If 2023 signalled arrival, 2024 cemented status. Himachal Pradesh finished second nationally with 15 medals — 5 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze — an impressive feat considering its comparatively limited winter sports infrastructure. The year also introduced a new generation of standout performers.

Among them, Aanchal Thakur emerged as a central figure in the state’s success story in 2025. Born in Manali on August 28, 1996, she made history in 2018 as the first Indian skier to win a medal at an International Ski Federation event. At the fifth edition of the Games, she claimed two gold medals in alpine skiing — slalom and giant slalom.

Reflecting on her journey, Aanchal said that despite harsh weather conditions, including low temperatures and poor visibility, her confidence remained strong. She began skiing at the age of five and trained initially on wooden skis due to limited resources. Her perseverance eventually led her to international training stints in Europe. In 2012, she represented India at the Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, and has since competed in six World Championships and two Asian Games. According to her, the atmosphere at the Games motivates athletes to excel for both state and country.

Snowboarder Preeti Thakur added to the medal count with gold-winning performances and multiple podium finishes. Relay and team-event victories further strengthened Himachal’s collective momentum, underscoring the state’s shift from individual brilliance to cohesive team success.

At the 2025 edition, Himachal Pradesh delivered arguably its strongest performance yet, securing 6 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze medals. The state finished joint second overall alongside the Indian Army, long regarded as a dominant competitor in winter sports.

Athletes such as Tenzin Dolma captured gold in the women’s ski mountaineering vertical race, displaying exceptional endurance. Her teammate Natasha Mahar clinched silver, completing a memorable one-two finish for the state. In the men’s Alpine slalom, Yogesh Kumar secured gold, reinforcing Himachal’s growing dominance in skiing. Snowboarding specialists Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Mahar also contributed podium finishes, highlighting the state’s versatility across disciplines.

Across five editions, Himachal Pradesh’s trajectory at the Khelo India Winter Games exemplifies sustained ambition and systematic progress. From tentative beginnings in 2020 and 2021 to consistent podium finishes by 2024 and 2025, the state’s ascent mirrors a determined climb up a mountain — powered by individual grit and collective resolve.

With the upcoming 2026 edition, including the Gulmarg leg of the Games, approaching, Himachal’s snow warriors remain strong contenders to watch. The competitions begin Monday and conclude on February 26.

— IANS