Arif Khan, 31, who started skiing in Gulmarg is the only Indian who had qualified for Winter Olympic Games 2022 to be held in Beijing, making Kashmir and country proud.
Arif has already taken a flight to Delhi from Srinagar and he will be flying to Beijing from the national capital. Arif now has a dream of winning a gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
Skier Arif Khan who hails from a small village of Goiwara in Hajibal, Tangmarg in Kashmir valley has achieved the unique distinction of being India’s sole representative at the Beijing Winter Olympics. He is also the first athlete from the country to win direct quota spots in two different Winter Olympics events.
Khan is a professional alpine skier and has qualified for giant slalom event at Kolasin, Montenegro recently. He has represented India in more than 100 ski events held across the world and has been undergoing training in Europe for the most part of this year.
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He developed a passion for skiing at the age of four, during a childhood spent in the rugged mountains. But that does not mean his skills have come easy: Arif spends at least seven hours a day in sub-zero temperatures.
Arif grew up in a region dominated by other sports before finding his niche in skiing. He spent many hours on gentle slopes for beginners before emerging as a top skier.
The government of India has provided Arif all the support that he required. From training to providing facilities, they have shown immense support towards Arif for last one year. And millions of youngsters are already inspired by Arif’s journey.
India had two representatives at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea as Jagdish Singh competed in the 15km freestyle event of cross-country skiing while Shiva Keshavan took part in luge.
The men’s giant slalom event will be held on February 13 while slalom will be held on February 16.
(With inputs from agencies)
