KIWG 2026: Manali Girls Aanchal and Tanuja Thakur on Himachal’s Skiing Culture and India’s Winter Sports Growth

Gulmarg, Feb 25: Experience met execution on Day 2 of the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 as Himachal Pradesh's seasoned campaigner Aanchal Thakur clinched gold in the Giant Slalom with a commanding timing of 48.984 seconds. Close behind her was statemate Tanuja Thakur, who secured silver - turning the event into a Himachal masterclass on the Kongdoori slopes.

But beyond the medals for the Manali Girls (who aren't related accept for the fact they come from the same region), their performances highlighted the deep-rooted skiing tradition of Himachal and the evolving landscape of winter sports in India.

In an exclusive conversation with myKhel, both the veteran alpine skiers from the country reflected on their performances, the challenging snow conditions, and what the future holds for Winter Sports in India.

Aanchal Thakur Clinches Her 7th Khelo India Winter Games Gold

Fresh off her victory, Aanchal did not hide her happiness. The gold marked yet another chapter in her long association with the Winter Games. Smiling from ear to ear, she said, "Today was the event of Giant Slalom and I have won a gold medal. I am very happy."

When asked about her medal count at the Games, she revealed the scale of her consistency. "I think this is my 7th gold medal. I have been playing since 2021 in Khelo India. It always feels good to come here."

The statistic is telling. Seven gold medals across seasons highlight not just longevity but dominance in Indian alpine skiing.

Handling Thin Snow and Logistical Challenges

This year's Games have unfolded amid reduced snow cover, testing both athletes and organisers. Aanchal acknowledged the visible challenges but was quick to appreciate the arrangements made. "The snow was less but I would like to congratulate the entire team of Khelo India for the way they organised."

She pointed out how logistical gaps were addressed innovatively. She added further, "We could see that the length of the slope is up to the middle and the lift does not reach there. So, they had arranged skidoo for all the athletes."

Technically, she explained, early race scheduling proved crucial. "The way they started our race early, the slope was very compact and the competition was very solid."

Her remarks underline how race timing and slope preparation can significantly influence performance in alpine events.

The Passion Behind Himachal's Dominance

Himachal Pradesh has consistently dominated women's alpine skiing, and Aanchal believes the answer lies beyond infrastructure.

"I think it is said that those who have less facilities have more passion. It is the same with Himachal Pradesh. We do not have much infrastructure as compared to Gulmarg. That is why we do more training even if we have to carry the skis on our shoulders."

It is a telling insight into the culture of the sport in Manali and surrounding regions - where terrain compensates for limited facilities.

Growth of Khelo India Winter Games

Having competed since the early seasons, Aanchal has witnessed the Games evolve.

"Every season something good is being added. The off-slope things like hotel accommodation and daily transportation are also improving."

She offered a practical example. "I remember that from last year, as soon as we make a call, a car comes for us. We all stay in different hotels and our travel time is very short."

But she also called for more competitions to sustain growth. "If the state, central government keep doing more events, like there should be 4-5 events in winters, then athletes get more motivation. If there is more competition, then winter sports will grow well in our country."

A Trailblazer's International Journey

Aanchal began skiing at five, was selected for her first international event at 13, and represented India at the Youth Winter Olympics in 2012. She has since competed in seven World Championships.

Her landmark moment came in 2018. "In 2018, I won the bronze medal in Turkey, which was India's first international medal." That medal was a turning point for Indian alpine skiing recognition.

She trains in Solang Valley but frequently travels to Europe - Italy, Switzerland, France and Austria - for elite exposure. "The biggest thing about winter sports is the infrastructure. In European countries, there is a chairlift, gondola, cable car in every village." Her comparison underscores the structural gap India still seeks to bridge.

Tanuja Thakur: "This Platform Is Very Big for Us"

Silver medallist Tanuja Thakur matched experience with composure, delivering a strong performance under testing conditions. "I am very happy with the silver medal I got today," Tanuja told myKhel. She noted her steady form this season, including medals at the Nationals.

Snow Conditions and Athlete Energy

Like Aanchal, Tanuja admitted the snow posed challenges. "Snow is obviously a big factor for our performance. As you can see, there is less snow. So it is difficult for us. Our slopes change." Yet, she emphasised athlete spirit. "But the energy of the athletes is so much that we are still playing with our full energy. So we still enjoyed it a lot."

Importance of Khelo India

A regular since Season 1, Tanuja highlighted the significance of the platform. "As an athlete, I would like to say that this platform is very big for us. Because you work hard all year and you have this platform to show your performance." She added further, "You need such competitions every season. So we eagerly wait for Khelo India."

The Manali Culture

When asked about Himachal's stronghold in women's skiing, Tanuja attributed it to geography and environment. "We all come from Manali. We have mountains and snow. So it was very natural that you would ski. Everyone has skiers in their families." Exposure from childhood creates a natural sporting ecosystem.

On training abroad, she said: "In Europe, we get a chance to train with world-class athletes. If you train with such good athletes, then obviously our level will improve a lot." She also emphasised camaraderie in Indian skiing. "If someone works hard, then they are a deserving athlete. Similarly, I would like to congratulate all the girls who scored today."

Himachal's Golden Statement

Aanchal's gold and Tanuja's silver were not just medals - they were reminders of a culture built on passion, resilience and sustained excellence. On a challenging snow week in Gulmarg, the Thakur duo once again proved why Himachal Pradesh remains the heartbeat of Indian alpine skiing.