New Delhi, March 10 Two-time Winter Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan has urged the sports ministry to develop proper skiing infrastructure in Gulmarg so that Indian athletes can train for global competitions and aim for medals at the Asian level.
Arif, who achieved the country's best performance in the men's slalom race at the recently-concluded Winter Olympics in Italy, said India needs at least one fully developed training facility on the slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg, with a long competitive season, to help the country's top skiers prepare for international events.
"We need at least one fully-developed infrastructure in Gulmarg that can function for a good five months," he said.
A full season of "at least five months till April-end" is needed to train and compete on the slopes of Kangdoori in Gulmarg to prepare Indian athletes, said Arif, who recently finished 39th in the Milano-Cortina Games.
"I can guarantee that we will win medals at the top Asian level in 10-15 years," added Arif.
Arif's performance surpassed Kishore Ratna Rai's performance by 10 places, which was achieved at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
Arif also praised the government's flagship winter sports initiative.
"The six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have provided an incredible platform for athletes, but now we need to look for ways to win medals at major global competitions," he said.
Arif further said his performance had helped put India "on the global ski map".
He said the country now needs to invest more strategically in winter sports infrastructure and support systems.
Since 2020, all six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games have been held in Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, while Leh in Ladakh has been hosting ice events since 2024.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has already announced that the 2027 edition of the Khelo India Winter Games will be expanded into a 15-day event in a bid to develop Gulmarg as a global winter sports destination.
Arif, who learned skiing on the slopes of the Pir Panjal mountains, welcomed the plan, saying that combining sports with tourism could boost winter sports in the country.
"We have the athletes, and there are others who can be better than me. But we are lacking infrastructure, coaches, and funding.
"Given the government's intention to develop winter sports, I can see better things in the future."
The 36-year-old also said his Winter Olympics result should inspire young people to take up winter sports seriously.
"His performance at the Winter Olympics should inspire young people to take up winter sports as a career," Arif said, adding that a national federation was needed immediately to understand the requirements of the athletes.
"The government is doing a lot through its policies to streamline governance in sports bodies. Winter sports like skiing need immediate government intervention and full support," he said.
Arif is currently training three young skiers – two from Jammu and Kashmir and one from Himachal Pradesh – and believes the country has enough talent in the hill regions.
"There are a lot of talented athletes in the hilly states and Union Territories. Some skiers are also emerging from South India, but the availability of year-round facilities is a major handicap.
"At least, skating has all-weather facilities in Dehradun and Leh, Gulmarg can be a priority now," Arif pointed out.
