Winter Olympics 2026: India Rallies Behind Gulmarg’s Young Dreamer Defying Mountains

Srinagar: Indian alpine skier Arif Mohammad Khan has achieved a remarkable milestone. He has qualified for the 2026 Winter Olympics in the slalom event, which will be held in Milano Cortina, Italy. This marks his second consecutive Olympic qualification, following his debut at the Beijing 2022 Games, where he became India’s only representative.

At 35, Arif met the qualification standards by accumulating enough FIS (International Ski Federation) points. But he isn’t stopping here. He’s now working hard to qualify for the giant slalom event in upcoming races.

Reflecting on his journey, Arif shared, “Finally, the road to Milano Cortina is achieved. Last time, financial challenges held me back, and this year I faced an injury. But I’m doing well and focusing on my training.”

Earlier this year, Arif sustained a serious injury while preparing for the giant slalom, leading to a back problem that kept him sidelined. He spent months at the Inspire Institute of Sport in Karnataka, working to recover. “In Romania, I needed five results under 120 points to qualify, and I achieved that,” he explained.

Now, with his sights set on the giant slalom, Arif is planning an intensive training schedule in the southern hemisphere, with plans to train in Argentina or New Zealand. “Training there until October will help me prepare for the European winter season,” he noted.

His passion for skiing began in his hometown of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, often called the “Switzerland of India.” Arif’s father opened the first ski shop in Gulmarg back in 1976, sparking Arif’s interest in skiing. He quickly made a name for himself, winning his first national-level competition by age 12.

Arif’s story is often compared to that of Gul Mustafa Dev, the first Indian Winter Olympian who competed in the 1988 Calgary Games. “Gul Mustafa Dev showed us it’s possible to reach the Olympics. He inspires me to follow my dreams,” Arif said.

At the Beijing Games, Arif made history by qualifying for both the slalom and giant slalom events. Although he finished 45th in the giant slalom, his determination to represent India was praised widely. “My aim was to complete both runs and make my country proud. This time, I want to perform better and reach new heights,” he asserted.

Recognition for Arif has come from various quarters. In 2023, the Swiss Embassy in India named him one of 75 success stories reflecting the partnership between Switzerland and India, celebrating his journey that began in the breathtaking landscape of Kashmir.

Further solidifying his status, Arif was awarded the Jammu and Kashmir Government Award in the sports category. He stands as a role model for many young athletes, especially from his home state.

“My journey isn’t just for me. It’s about showing others that no matter where you start, you can achieve your dreams through hard work,” Arif said, reflecting on his growth. “There was a time I was hesitant to travel beyond my home in the mountains, but now I navigate the world on my own.”

As Arif continues to prepare for the Winter Games, his story resonates with hope and perseverance, encouraging future athletes to push past their limits and strive for their aspirations.

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ARIF MOHAMMAD KHAN, INDIAN ALPINE SKIER, WINTER OLYMPICS, SLALOM EVENT WINTER OLYMPICS, WINTER OLYMPICS 2026, WINTER OLYMPICS 2026 INDIAN ALPINE SKIER ARIF MOHAMMAD KHAN HAS QUALIFIED IN THE SLALOM EVENT