Indian Alpine Skiers Pursue Olympic Ambitions Through Elite Training
High above the snow-dusted ridges of Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir, three promising young Indian alpine skiers are carving their paths toward international glory. Sahil Thakur, Syed Zain, and Faizan Ahmad Lone represent a new generation of winter sports athletes whose dreams are being nurtured under the expert guidance of pioneering skier Arif Khan.
Mentorship from an Olympic Trailblazer
The common thread weaving their journeys together is Arif Khan, who delivered India's strongest-ever men's slalom performance at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, finishing 39th with a combined time of 2:41.60. Under his mentorship, the trio recently completed an intensive training camp in Italy's Sudtirol region alongside 35 to 40 fellow Indian athletes.
During this elite training experience, they absorbed world-class techniques, sharpened their competitive edge, and gained invaluable exposure to European racing standards. This international training represents a significant step forward for India's winter sports development program.
Three Distinct Backgrounds, One Common Goal
Sahil Thakur, 19, comes from Manali in Himachal Pradesh, where skiing runs in his family. His father Devi Chand and brothers Rajneesh and Rahul all ski professionally, making the mountains practically part of his DNA. Sahil has already represented India at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in Gangwon, South Korea, and has accumulated multiple national gold and silver medals.
"The coaching and that laser focus on technique completely changes how you read the mountain," Sahil reflected about his Italy training experience. His sights are now firmly set on qualifying for the 2030 Winter Olympics in the French Alps.
Syed Zain, 16, from Humhama on the outskirts of Srinagar, began with fewer advantages, lacking access to European-style resorts in his backyard. Despite this, his talent emerged early when he swept gold in both Slalom and Giant Slalom at the inaugural Khelo India Winter Games in 2020, followed by silver medals at the 2022 Junior Nationals.
Zain honed his skills at the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering in Gulmarg before advancing under Arif's guidance. "Skiing might seem like a European thing, but Olympians like Arif have shown it absolutely can belong to India too," Zain stated, also acknowledging the contributions of six-time Olympian Shiva Keshavan to India's winter sports momentum.
Faizan Ahmad Lone, 19, combines raw determination with crucial support. As a five-time national gold medalist and four-time Khelo India champion, he has competed internationally at events including the 2025 Winter Asian Games in Harbin, China, and FIS competitions in Dubai and Kazakhstan.
"Skiing isn't cheap. Arif didn't stop at coaching, he stepped in to line up sponsors so I could actually compete abroad," Faizan explained, highlighting the financial challenges facing winter sports athletes in India.
Symbolic Inspiration and Current Competitions
A subtle but powerful reminder connects all three skiers: the signature of Italian Olympic champion Federica Brignone inscribed across their helmets. "It's more than just ink," they agree. "It keeps us locked in, dreaming bigger."
The trio is currently competing as part of the ongoing Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, applying their enhanced skills and international experience to domestic competition. Their journey represents a growing winter sports ecosystem in India that combines homegrown talent with international exposure and mentorship from established Olympians.
As these young athletes continue their development, they carry not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of a nation seeking to establish itself in international winter sports competitions. Their progress under Arif Khan's guidance demonstrates how structured mentorship programs can accelerate athletic development and create pathways to Olympic qualification.
