- The third edition in 2023 marked Himachal Pradesh’s first major emergence into the upper echelons of the Khelo India Winter Games
- At the 5th Khelo India Winter Games in 2025, Himachal Pradesh finished joint second on total medals alongside the Indian Army
Gulmarg (Jammu & Kashmir), Feb. 22: The journey of Himachal Pradesh contingent through the first five editions of Khelo India Winter Games is a story of grit and an unforgiving love affair with snow.
Over five editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, held annually since their launch in 2020, Himachal Pradesh has transformed from hopeful contender to medal magnet, challenging more established winter sports powers.
When the inaugural Khelo India Winter Games was held in 2020, the event was as much about celebration as competition. Hosts Jammu and Kashmir dominated the medal table with a staggering haul. Himachal Pradesh’s presence at that first meet was modest but meaningful, with athletes gaining invaluable exposure and experience on the national stage.
By the second edition in 2021, with over 1,000 athletes competing and greater state participation, Himachal Pradesh’s winter warriors had found a foothold. The early signs – glimmers of podium potential in Alpine and Nordic events – hinted at what was to come.
Breakthrough in 2023
The third edition in 2023 marked Himachal Pradesh’s first major emergence into the upper echelons of the Khelo India Winter Games scene. Against stiff competition, the team amassed 10 gold, 14 silver, and 7 bronze medals, finishing a credible third overall behind traditional winter sport strongholds.
This was the moment when Himachal Pradesh’s athletes began to be spoken about not just as participants but as national contenders. The Alpine slopes now saw Himachali flags flutter among the established powers.
Confirmation in 2024
If 2023 was Himachal Pradesh’s entry into the big leagues, the 2024 edition confirmed its belonging. The state clinched 15 medals – 5 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze – finishing second in the national standings, an unprecedented achievement for a state with comparatively limited winter sport infrastructure.
The list of standouts read like a catalogue of rising stars.
Aanchal Thakur became a pillar of Himachal Pradesh’s medal charge in 2025. Born in Manali, she had already made history in 2018 as the first Indian skier to win a medal in an International Ski Federation event. At the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, she won two gold medals in Alpine skiing slalom and giant slalom.
“The conditions were tough, the visibility was poor and temperature was low but my spirits were high,” Aanchal told SAI Media. “I started skiing at the age of five and have over 20 years of experience. I didn’t have original skis and practiced on wooden skis. Later, I trained in Europe after winning junior nationals.”
She added that representing India at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, and multiple World Championships shaped her competitive edge.
Snowboarder Preeti Thakur added gold and podium finishes in multiple disciplines, while relay and team victories stitched individual grit into collective glory.
Joint Second in 2025
At the 5th Khelo India Winter Games in 2025, Himachal Pradesh delivered arguably its most convincing performance yet. With 6 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze medals, the state finished joint second on total medals alongside the Indian Army.
Athletes pierced through expectations.
Tenzin Dolma clinched gold in the women’s ski mountaineering vertical race, while teammate Natasha Mahar took silver, completing a memorable one-two finish.
In the men’s Alpine slalom, Yogesh Kumar sealed gold, reaffirming Himachal Pradesh’s growing command in core skiing events. Snowboarding specialists like Sakshi Thakur and Natasha Mahar added further podium finishes.
A Steady Climb Up the Medal Table
Across five editions, Himachal Pradesh’s rise at the Khelo India Winter Games reflects relentless ambition. From tentative beginnings in 2020 and 2021 to becoming a consistent medal leader by 2024 and 2025, the trajectory resembles a sprint up a mountainside powered by individual spark and collective fire.
As the Gulmarg leg of the 2026 Games unfolds, Himachal Pradesh’s snow warriors will once again be ones to watch. The Games begin on Monday and conclude on February 26.