Gauri Rai Secures Historic Gold at Khelo India Winter Games in Leh
Seventeen-year-old Gauri Rai from Haryana delivered a spectacular performance at the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) first-leg, held at Leh's Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium (NDS) on Wednesday. She triumphed in the advanced figure skating category, earning a gold medal in what marks the inaugural inclusion of figure skating in the history of the KIWG. Hailing from Gurugram, Gauri has now etched her name into the annals of Indian sports through her solid and memorable display.
From Roller Skating to Figure Skating: A Transformative Journey
Like many aspiring skaters, Gauri began her athletic journey with roller skating. However, in 2017, her path took a decisive turn when she witnessed a figure skating event at the Ambience Mall in Gurugram. "Roller skating, I had been doing that for a long time," Gauri recalled. "But I always wanted to do something which had both speed and grace. When I saw that figure skating event, I knew exactly what I was going to pursue from there on. Transitioning from quads to in-line skating and finally to figure skating has been quite an incredible journey."
Her dedication has already borne fruit on the international stage, as she won a silver medal for India at the United Arab Emirates Figure Skating Championship in Dubai back in 2022. Gauri has also competed in prestigious events across South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Bulgaria, showcasing her growing prowess in the sport.
A Surprising Victory Fueled by Luck and Family Confidence
Despite her experience, Gauri admitted that she was not entirely confident of securing the top finish at the KIWG. "I was not confident enough because I was out of breath during my performance. The high altitude in Leh affected me, as I am not used to such conditions, so I couldn't give my absolute best," the modest athlete explained.
However, a twist of fate played a crucial role in her victory. "My competitor, Jessy Raj Mathrapu, who was the favourite, had a fall during her routine. That incident ultimately led to me finishing on top," Gauri revealed, highlighting how luck intertwined with her efforts to clinch the gold.
In contrast to her own doubts, Gauri's family remained steadfast in their belief in her success. "My mother was always confident that I would win gold. Both my parents are absolutely elated. After the results were announced yesterday evening, we had a family video call. They were all there, and they are already planning a big celebration party," she shared with a smile.
Gratitude for Khelo India Initiative and Call for Infrastructure Development
Gauri Rai, who is a student at Manav Rachna International School in Gurugram, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Khelo India initiative for organizing what she described as "such a fantastic event." She praised the efforts of the Sports Authority of India (SAI), stating, "I am very thankful to SAI for staging such a world-class event. The ice surface here at the NDS is exceptionally smooth."
Beyond the rink, she appreciated the comprehensive support provided. "We received great accommodation, food, and transport facilities. I also want to thank the media coverage, particularly from DD Sports and others. Figure skating is still a relatively new sport in India, and we need the media to help promote it and reach more people across the country," Gauri emphasized.
Looking ahead, Gauri pointed out that while figure skating is on the rise in India, there is significant room for improvement. "Our competitors from other parts of the world practice up to 16 hours a day. To match that level, we need more artificial ice surfaces, ideally Olympic-size. Currently, we have only two such facilities in the entire country—one here and the other in Dehradun. Developing more infrastructure is the only way to produce a greater number of quality players," she asserted.
Future Aspirations and Upcoming Challenges
With her gold medal victory behind her, Gauri is now setting her sights on the next milestone. She is preparing to participate in an International Skating Union Seminar scheduled for March or April. This seminar conducts rigorous tests to determine whether a player is ready for international competitions, and Gauri is determined to excel and prove her mettle on the global stage once again.
Her journey from a roller skater in Gurugram to a gold medalist at the Khelo India Winter Games serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance, family support, and the growing opportunities in Indian winter sports.
