Gulmarg, February 24 Two races, two gold medals, and a promise fulfilled.
Nordic skier Kajal Kumari Rai achieved an emotional comeback at the Khelo India Winter Games, winning back-to-back gold medals a year after a personal tragedy had derailed her campaign.
Kajal's world had come crashing down in 2025 when she lost her father just five days before the Games. She had to abandon her training and return to Shillong to perform the last rites.
Although she returned to Gulmarg to compete, she failed to achieve success and left with unfinished business.
However, the CRPF cross-country skier resolved to return stronger.
On Monday, the 25-year-old from Meghalaya won gold in the Nordic women's 15km sprint event. She followed this up with another commanding performance on Tuesday to win the 10km sprint, completing a memorable double.
Kajal comes from a land where Nordic skiing is not just uncommon, it is almost unimaginable.
"We don't have this kind of weather," said the Shillong girl.
"Even surviving in snow is a big deal for us. Forget competing in a sport that tests your endurance like this."
She had only started skiing in 2024. For the past three weeks, Kajal had been training relentlessly at the Indian Army's High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) here.
"They trained us well. They improved our technique and gave us confidence," she said.
Team manager Magesh K witnessed her transformation firsthand.
"She has always worked extremely hard," he said.
"But more than that, she has the spirit of an athlete. That spirit is rare."
Kajal credits her friend and fellow CRPF soldier Lokesh Kumar for helping her believe in her ability.
"I saw athletes from states without infrastructure succeed," Kajal said.
"I promised myself I would not complain. I would focus on my goal."
She now aspires to compete at the Olympics and the World Championships, hoping to carry her father's story and sacrifice onto the global stage.
