Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir), February 22 The journey of the Himachal Pradesh contingent through the first five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games is a story of perseverance and a deep connection with snow.
Over the five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), held annually since their launch in 2020, Himachal Pradesh has evolved from a promising contender to a team consistently winning medals, challenging established winter sports powerhouses.
When the inaugural KIWG was held in 2020, the event was as much about competition as it was about celebration. The hosts, Jammu and Kashmir, dominated the medal table with an impressive haul.
Himachal Pradesh's presence at that first event was modest but significant, providing valuable exposure and experience for athletes on the national stage.
By the second edition in 2021, with over 1,000 athletes competing and increased state participation, Himachal Pradesh's winter athletes had begun to make their mark. While they weren't yet household names, early signs – glimpses of potential on Alpine and Nordic events – suggested what was to come.
The third edition in 2023 marked Himachal Pradesh's significant emergence into the upper echelons of the KIWG. Despite stiff competition, the team secured 10 gold, 14 silver, and 7 bronze medals, finishing third overall behind traditional winter sports powerhouses.
This was the moment when Himachal Pradesh's athletes started to be recognized not just as participants, but as national contenders. The Alpine slopes, once dominated by hosts and established teams, now featured Himachali flags alongside them.
If 2023 was Himachal Pradesh's entry into the big leagues, the next edition confirmed their place. This time, Himachal Pradesh won 15 medals, including 5 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze, and finished second nationally – an unprecedented achievement for a state with comparatively limited winter sports infrastructure.
The list of standout performers from that year reads like a catalogue of rising stars.
Aanchal Thakur became more than just a name; she was a key figure in Himachal Pradesh's medal success in 2025. Born on August 28, 1996, in Manali, Thakur, who became the first Indian skier to win a medal at the International Ski Federation event in 2018, won two gold medals in the 5th Khelo India Winter Games in Alpine skiing slalom and giant slalom events.
"The conditions were challenging, with poor visibility and low temperatures, but I was determined," Aanchal told SAI Media.
"I started skiing at the age of five and have over 20 years of experience. I didn't have professional equipment initially, but I practiced on wooden skis. It was very difficult, but I eventually started winning medals in junior nationals, which motivated me to train in Europe."
"In 2012, I represented India at the Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Since then, I have represented the country at six World Championships and two Asian Games," Aanchal added, "At Khelo India Winter Games, the atmosphere inspires us to work hard for our state and our country."
Snowboarder Preeti Thakur also added to the medal tally with multiple gold and podium finishes across various disciplines.
Relays and team events further boosted Himachal Pradesh's momentum, with victories that combined individual grit with collective glory.
This marked a significant shift. Himachal Pradesh was no longer just a participant; it was a force to be reckoned with.
At the fifth KIWG in 2025, Himachal Pradesh delivered arguably its most impressive performance. With 6 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze medals, the state finished joint second with the Indian Army, another perennial force, powered by strong performances across various disciplines.
The athletes from Himachal Pradesh exceeded expectations.
Tenzin Dolma, an inspiring figure, clinched gold in the women's ski mountaineering vertical race, showcasing exceptional endurance despite the challenging mountain gradients.
Her teammate Natasha Mahar secured silver, completing a Himachal Pradesh one-two that was celebrated long after the race.
In the first men's Alpine slalom event, Yogesh Kumar won gold, further solidifying Himachal Pradesh's dominance in core skiing events. Snowboarding specialists like Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Mahar also added to the medal count with impressive podium finishes, showcasing versatility in Himachal Pradesh's performance.
Across five editions, the rise of Himachal Pradesh at the Khelo India Winter Games is a testament to relentless ambition. From tentative forays in 2020 and 2021 to establishing itself as a consistent contender by 2024 and 2025, the trajectory is more akin to a sprint up a mountainside powered by individual determination and collective effort.
As the future editions, including the Gulmarg leg of the 2026 games, unfold, these mountain state's winter warriors will undoubtedly be ones to watch. The Games begin on Monday and conclude on February 26.
