Excelsior Sports Correspondent
Srinagar, Mar 10: Two-time Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan today urged the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to develop world-class skiing infrastructure in Gulmarg, stressing that improved facilities are essential for preparing Indian athletes for global winter sports competitions.
Khan said the slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg offer significant potential for training but require proper infrastructure to support athletes for a full skiing season of at least five months, lasting until the end of April.
Lauding the Khelo India Winter Games, he said the six editions held so far have laid a strong foundation for winter sports in the country.
“Six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have provided an incredible platform to athletes, but now we must focus on winning medals at major global competitions,” he said.
The alpine skier recently created history at the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, finishing 39th in the men’s slalom event.
The performance improved India’s previous best result in the event by 10 places, surpassing the record set by Kishore Ratna Rai at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.
Khan, who currently trains three young skiers-two from J&K and one from Himachal Pradesh-said several talented athletes are emerging from mountainous regions across the country.
“There is talent in the hilly states and Union Territories. Some skiers are even emerging from South India, but the lack of year-round training facilities is a major challenge. Skating already has all-weather facilities in places like Dehradun and Leh, and Gulmarg should now become a priority,” he said.
Since 2020, Gulmarg has hosted all six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, while Leh in Ladakh has been hosting ice events since 2024.
Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has also announced that the 2027 edition of the Games will be expanded into a 15-day event to promote Gulmarg as a global winter sports destination.
Khan said India has the talent to succeed in winter sports but lacks adequate infrastructure.
“We have athletes who can do even better than me, but we are missing infrastructure, coaches and funding. With the government’s intention to develop winter sports, I see better things in the future,” he said.
The 36-year-old skier expressed confidence that Indian athletes could win top-level Asian medals within the next 10 to 15 years if proper facilities are developed.
He also emphasised the need for a strong national federation to address the requirements of winter sports athletes and ensure better governance and support.
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