Bhavani Nanjunda

Bhavani Thekkeda Nanjunda, a 30-year-old skier from Kodagu, Karnataka, won gold in the Nordic 1.5 km sprint at the Khelo India Winter Games 2026 in Gulmarg. This victory adds to her two bronze medals from the 15-km and 10-km relays earlier in the season. Nanjunda's achievement marks her as India's first woman to medal in a Federation Internationale de Ski et de Snowboard-accredited cross-country skiing event.