NEW DELHI, MAR 10: Two-time Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan has urged the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to develop world-class winter sports infrastructure in Gulmarg to help Indian athletes prepare for international competitions.
The Alpine skier from Jammu and Kashmir said that a fully developed training facility on the slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg, capable of operating for at least five months each year, is essential for athletes aiming to compete globally.
“A full season till at least the end of April is required to train and compete effectively. We need at least one proper infrastructure in Gulmarg to prepare our top skiers for global events,” Arif said.
He lauded the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) initiative, stating that six editions of the Games have already created a strong base for winter sports in India.
“Six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have provided an incredible platform to athletes. Now the next step is to focus on winning medals at major international competitions,” he said.
Arif recently made history at the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, finishing 39th in the men’s slalom event, improving India’s previous best performance in the discipline set by Kishore Ratna Rai at Calgary 1988.
He said his performance has helped place India on the global skiing map, but added that investment in infrastructure, coaching and funding remains critical for further progress.
It is pertinent to note that Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya recently announced that the 2027 edition of the Khelo India Winter Games will be expanded into a 15-day festival, combining sports, tourism and cultural activities to position Gulmarg as a global winter sports destination.
Welcoming the move, Arif said integrating tourism with winter sports could significantly boost the region’s sporting ecosystem.
“We have the athletes and many can even perform better than me. What we lack is infrastructure, coaches and sustained funding. If these gaps are addressed, the future of winter sports in India will be bright,” he said.
Indians can win Asian-level medals in 10–15 years
Arif expressed confidence that Indian athletes can start winning top-level Asian medals within the next decade if the right support system is developed.
“I can guarantee that if proper infrastructure and training systems are established, Indian skiers can win medals at the Asian level within the next 10 to 15 years,” he said.
The 36-year-old Olympian also stressed the need for a dedicated national federation to better understand the requirements of winter sports athletes and streamline development programmes.
He said many talented athletes are emerging from hilly states and Union Territories, while interest in winter sports is also growing in southern parts of the country.
“At present, year-round training facilities are a major challenge. Skating has all-weather facilities in places like Dehradun and Leh. Gulmarg should also be developed as a priority,” he added.
Arif is currently training three young skiers, two from Jammu and Kashmir and one from Himachal Pradesh, as part of efforts to nurture the next generation of winter sports athletes.
He expressed hope that his Olympic performance would inspire more youngsters to take up winter sports as a professional career.
