Winter Sports In Gulmarg: Arif Khan Urges Infrastructure To Meet Global Standards

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Two-time Olympian Arif Mohammad Khan wants better winter sports facilities. He has urged the Union sports ministry to focus on Gulmarg. Arif said Kangdoori slopes need a full five-month season. Training should continue till April-end each year. He believes this can prepare Indian skiers for global events.

Arif recently competed at the Winter Olympics 2026 in Milano-Cortina (Italy), in the men's slalom race, where he finished 39th. It bettered India's previous best by ten places. That mark came from Kishore Ratna Rai in Calgary 1988. Arif believes his performance put India "in the global ski map."

Key milestones in Khelo India Winter Games and Arif’s career

The Khelo India Winter Games have completed six editions. Since 2020, Gulmarg in Jammu & Kashmir has hosted them. Leh in Ladakh added ice events from 2024. Arif feels this has built a strong base. He also sees rising global respect for Indian skiing.

Need for long-season infrastructure and planning

Arif said Khelo India Winter Games gave athletes a strong platform. But he feels the next step should target global medals. "We need at least one fully-developed infrastructure in Gulmarg," he said. It must function for around five months each year. He stressed structure, coaches and funding.

Medal targets and government support

Arif believes India can rise in Asian competitions. "I can guarantee we will win medals at the top Asian level in 10-15 years," he said. He linked this target to steady support. He praised the government's clear intention to develop winter sports further.

Sports Minister's plan for longer Winter Games

Union minister for youth affairs and sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has announced a longer future schedule. The 2027 Khelo India Winter Games will run for 15 days. The aim is to make Gulmarg a global winter sports destination. Arif welcomed joining sports and tourism in this plan.

Arif Calls for national federation and policy support

Arif said his Olympic finish should inspire young athletes. He felt winter sports now need a dedicated national federation. That body could better understand athletes’ needs. "Winter sports like skiing needs immediate government intervention and full support," the 36-year-old said. He acknowledged ongoing policy efforts in sports governance.

Arif is currently training three young boys. Two trainees come from Jammu & Kashmir. One trainee is from Himachal Pradesh. He said many talented athletes live in hilly states and Union Territories. Some skiers are also emerging from South India. But lack of year-round facilities remains a serious hurdle.

Gulmarg priority and all-weather models

Arif pointed to existing all-weather skating centres. "At least, skating has all-weather facilities in Dehradun and Leh," he noted. He suggested using these as a model. He said Gulmarg should now be a priority. He learned his sport on Pir Panjal slopes and wants similar opportunities nationwide.