Indian Alpine Skiers Pursue Olympic Ambitions with Elite Training in Italy
In the breathtaking, snow-covered peaks of Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, three promising young Indian alpine skiers are relentlessly pursuing their athletic dreams on the challenging slopes. Sahil Thakur, Syed Zain, and Faizan Ahmad Lone, each hailing from distinct backgrounds, are united by their shared passion for skiing and the mentorship of pioneering Indian skier Arif Khan.
Mentorship from an Olympic Trailblazer
Arif Khan, who made history by delivering India's strongest-ever men's slalom result at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics with a combined time of 2:41.60 and finishing 39th, is now guiding the next generation. Under his expert supervision, the trio recently participated in an intensive training camp in Italy's Sudtirol region. This camp, which included 35 to 40 fellow Indian athletes, provided them with elite-level coaching, refined their competitive techniques, and offered invaluable exposure to European skiing standards.
Profiles of the Aspiring Skiers
Sahil Thakur, 19, from Manali, Himachal Pradesh: Growing up in a family where skiing is a way of life—his father Devi Chand and brothers Rajneesh and Rahul are all professional skiers—Sahil has the mountains in his DNA. He has already represented India at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, and has accumulated national gold and silver medals. Reflecting on the Italy camp, Sahil noted, "The coaching and that laser focus on technique completely changes how you read the mountain." His sights are firmly set on competing at the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.
Syed Zain, 16, from Humhama, Srinagar: Unlike Sahil, Zain did not have access to European-style resorts in his backyard. However, his natural talent emerged early, earning him gold medals in Slalom and Giant Slalom at the inaugural Khelo India Winter Games in 2020, followed by silvers at the 2022 Junior Nationals. Trained at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg and further developed under Arif's guidance, Zain draws inspiration from role models like Arif Khan and six-time Olympian Shiva Keshavan. "Skiing might seem like a European thing, but Olympians like him have shown it absolutely can belong to India too," he emphasized.
Faizan Ahmad Lone, 19, from Kashmir: Faizan's journey is marked by determination and crucial support. A five-time national gold medalist and four-time Khelo India champion, he has competed internationally at events such as the 2025 Winter Asian Games in Harbin, China, and FIS races in Dubai and Kazakhstan. Acknowledging the financial challenges of the sport, Faizan shared, "Skiing isn't cheap. Arif didn't stop at coaching; he stepped in to line up sponsors so I could actually compete abroad."
Symbolic Inspiration and Current Endeavors
A subtle yet powerful motivator for all three skiers is the signature of Italian Olympic champion Federica Brignone inscribed on their helmets. They collectively agree that "It's more than just ink; it keeps us locked in, dreaming bigger." Currently, the trio is actively competing in the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) in Gulmarg, showcasing their skills and progress on the national stage.
This story highlights the growing momentum in Indian winter sports, driven by dedicated athletes and visionary mentors. With continued training and support, these young skiers are poised to make significant strides toward representing India on the global Olympic platform.
