How Winter Sports are taking India by Storm

Winter sports athletes are getting ready for a historic year and in India, there is huge potential for sports like snowboarding, alpine skiing and Nordic skiing.

This season, the highest number of Indian winter sports athletes ever are set to take part in international races.

For a long time, India has had the potential to be a winter sports leader, thanks to 1,864 miles of mountain ranges.

However, it has been held back due to a lack of government support and tradition.

Manali, Kashmir and Auli are the only three key resorts, with Auli scheduled to host India’s National Games in early 2025.

Skiing has witnessed a rise in popularity and this is partially due to celebrities like Sara Ali Khan posting about her skiing trip to Kashmir.

Thanks to the work of three key figures, India’s winter sports scene is growing and hopes to establish itself internationally.

Arif Khan, Shiva Keshavan & Bhavani Nanjunda

When it comes to the rapid rise of winter sports in India, three figures have been instrumental in growing it in a country where cricket dominates.

Ski and Snowboard India (SSI) Chairman Arif Khan, Shiva Keshavan, the first Indian luge athlete at the Winter Olympics and Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda, the country’s most successful Nordic ski athlete, have been leading the charge for better governance, more funding and support.

In 2023, 700 athletes competed at the Khelo India Winter Games and the government took notice.

A year later, three national events have been on offer and FIS-supported development camps were arranged.

For the Asian Winter Games in China in February 2025, there are set to be 70 Indian athletes, 40 in skiing.

And the foundations for the 2026 Winter Olympics are being laid.

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda hopes to represent India at the Games.

A mountaineer by trade, Nanjunda was inspired to pursue skiing after watching the British film Eddie The Eagle.

But it was not until 2020 that she tried cross-country skiing, having been inspired by the legendary Marit Bjorgen.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Nanjunda trained in her home of Kodagu, Karnataka.

A year later, Nanjunda won gold in the 1.5km sprint and bronze in the 10km at the National Championships.

Speaking about her skiing journey, she said:

“My parents had never seen snow, but I am so lucky and happy to have parents who have supported me to go for it.”

“Four years ago, I didn’t even know about cross-country skiing and now this year, in 2024, I’ve won gold in the 1.5-kilometre sprint, 5 kilometres and 10 kilometres.

“It’s a good improvement in the last few years.”

Cross-country skiing in India has largely been limited to the Indian Army, but that is changing.

With Nanjunda’s success, the country’s top cross-country skiers are now starting to earn points in FIS races.

Forging a Legacy

There is no winter sports tradition in India and as a result, citizens are unfamiliar.

Increasingly unpredictable weather and costs are hurdles but increased support from the FIS and the government is hoping to help with costs.

Bhavani Thekkada Nanjunda confessed: “For me to race once in Europe, it costs me a whole year of my savings.”

Despite the obstacles, winter sports are growing.

Nanjunda continued: “There are a crazy number of people learning skiing in India.

“In 2018, we had a handful of boys and girls signing up for training camps. Now, we have waiting lists.”

Shiva Keshavan believes the increased presence of winter sports has boosted the development of mountain communities in India.

He elaborated: “When you are investing in tourism, local economy, up-skilling of people, there is an impact.

“Usually, the winter is a non-productive part of the year, but with winter sports you are bringing something new.”

Kashmir remains a vital destination for skiing in India, even as uncertainty persists in the region.

For the past six years, the territory has operated without a local government, and recent incidents of violence have further strained the area’s fragile peace.

Newly elected Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed a desire to restore the region’s autonomy.

Keshavan said: “The political situation has improved a lot.

“It’s safe. There is still a decent amount of security presence in the region, but there is a lot of tourism which has taken off. Local people like that because it brings wealth for the local communities.”

The New Generation

Keshavan is hopeful that India will bring an even larger team to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, with ambitions to become even more competitive on the world stage by the 2030 Games in France.

Nanjunda envisions Indian skiers competing in the FIS World Cup within five years. Her own goal is to qualify for Milan in two years, adding to India’s growing legacy in winter sports.

She said:  “I never thought about competing in the Olympics, but when I won my gold [in the 2021 national championships], I was invited into schools as a guest lecturer.

“I had younger kids telling me they wanted to be like me. That made me think. I was earning good money, but I was doing it for myself.

“But being a sportsperson I have a voice for so many people, I can support young athletes.”

“That’s why I decided to go for the 2026 Olympics, and whatever happens, my journey will be an example for the next generation.”

Winter sports are undeniably carving out a space within India’s sporting landscape, fueled by increased accessibility, inspiring athletes, and the growing appeal of cold-weather adventure.

As more regions invest in winter sports infrastructure and young athletes find support to compete internationally, India’s participation in winter sports is set to expand rapidly.

This surge is not only about thrilling competitions but also about fostering a new sporting culture that celebrates resilience, skill, and the beauty of India’s winter landscapes.

With each season, winter sports in India continue to rise, capturing the imagination of a nation that is just beginning to explore its potential in these exhilarating disciplines.