Khelo India Winter Games: Himachal Continues Rise as Snow Sports Leader

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Himachal Pradesh’s rise frames the build-up to the Khelo India Winter Games leg in Gulmarg, Jammu and Kashmir, from February 23 to 26, 2026. Across five editions since 2020, the state has shifted from modest participation to joint second place on the national medals table.

The Khelo India Winter Games began in 2020. Hosts Jammu and Kashmir, backed by long snow traditions, topped that first medals table. Himachal Pradesh sent a small team then, but athletes gained vital national exposure and early experience on Alpine and Nordic courses.

From quiet start to regular podium threat

By the second edition in 2021, with over 1,000 athletes competing, Himachal Pradesh had a firm foothold. The real shift came in 2023, the third edition, when the state won 10 gold, 14 silver and 7 bronze medals to finish third behind established winter sport centres.

The 2024 Games confirmed Himachal Pradesh as a major contender. The squad collected 15 medals, including 5 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze, to secure second place nationally. Snowboarder Preeti Thakur claimed gold and other podiums, while relay and team events boosted the state’s overall tally.

Fifth edition in 2025 brings joint second finish

At the 5th Khelo India Winter Games in 2025, Himachal Pradesh delivered its strongest collective performance so far. The contingent earned 6 gold, 5 silver and 7 bronze medals, finishing joint second on total medals alongside the Indian Army, a long-term heavyweight in winter disciplines.

Aanchal Thakur anchors Alpine success

Aanchal Thakur led the 2025 medal push. Born on August 28, 1996, in Manali, she first made history in 2018 as the first Indian skier to win a medal in an International Ski Federation event. In Gulmarg, she won Alpine slalom and giant slalom golds.

“The conditions were tough, the visibility was poor and temperature was low but my spirits were high,” Aanchal told SAI Media. She recalled starting skiing at five, training first on wooden skis, then in Europe after junior national medals opened doors to higher-level coaching.

“In 2012, I represented India at the Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Since then, I have represented the country at six World Championships and two Asian Games,” Aanchal said. “At Khelo India Winter Games, the atmosphere inspires us athletes to work hard for our states and country.”

Depth across ski mountaineering and snowboarding

Tenzin Dolma added gold in the women’s ski mountaineering vertical race in 2025, with teammate Natasha Mahar taking silver for a Himachal Pradesh one-two. Yogesh Kumar won the first men’s Alpine slalom event. Snowboarders Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Mahar also secured podium finishes, underscoring the team’s growing range.

Across five editions, Himachal Pradesh has moved from learning phase to consistent medal threat at the Khelo India Winter Games. With the Gulmarg leg of the 2026 Games scheduled from Monday, February 23 to February 26, the state’s winter athletes enter as key figures in the national contest.