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.
The Khelo India Winter Games 2026 took place in Gulmarg on February 25, where Bhavani Thekkeda Nanjunda secured the gold medal in the Nordic 1.5 km sprint. Hailing from Kodagu in Karnataka, the 30-year-old athlete began her journey with snow sports relatively late, first encountering snow at the age of 23. Despite the absence of local infrastructure and training facilities in her home region, she has risen to prominence in the sport.
Nanjunda has represented India at the 2023 and 2025 Nordic World Championships and has participated in all six editions of the Khelo India Winter Games. Her success stems from support by key institutions, including the Army’s High Altitude Warfare School, the Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, and the Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering and Winter Sports. Additionally, the Reliance Foundation provides backing to six girls across the country, including Nanjunda.
Reflecting on her path, Nanjunda shared: “I myself had not even seen snow till I was 23. If I could excel despite starting late, imagine what someone starting early can achieve with proper training.” Her win highlights the role of determination and family support in overcoming barriers, while also pointing to expanding opportunities for winter sports in India, particularly for athletes from non-snowy areas.
Looking ahead, Nanjunda aims for the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and seeks to inspire young talents to take up winter disciplines.
