The Winter Olympics 2026 will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to February 22. India is sending two athletes to compete in skiing and cross-country events. Arif Khan will take part in alpine skiing, while Stanzin Lundup will compete in cross-country skiing.
This is another step for India in winter sports, even though the country has never won a Winter Olympics medal. The games will have athletes from many countries competing in snowy sports.
India’s Journey in the Winter Olympics 2026 and Past Games
India first competed in the Winter Olympics in 1964 with Jeremy Bujakowski in alpine skiing. Since then, India has taken part in 11 editions through 2022, with about 16 athletes in total. The most famous Indian Winter Olympian is Shiva Keshavan, who competed in luge in six games from 1998 to 2018.
Only a few women, like Shailaja Kumar in 1988 and Neha Ahuja in 2006, have represented India. In 2022, Arif Mohammed Khan was the sole participant in slalom and giant slalom, and he qualified again for 2026. India has never won a medal.
Famous Indians Who Competed in the Winter Olympics 2026
India has sent a few athletes to the Winter Olympics over the years. Jeremy Bujakowski competed in alpine skiing in 1964 and 1968. Shailaja Kumar became the first Indian woman at the Winter Games in 1988, also in alpine skiing.
Neha Ahuja represented India in 2006. Shiva Keshavan is the most experienced, competing in luge in many Olympics. Other Indian athletes have also participated in alpine and cross-country skiing in different years.
India at the Winter Olympics 2026 With Two Skiers
The Winter Olympics 2026 will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22. Many countries will compete in snow sports like skiing, skating, and sliding events on ice and snow.
Arif Khan will represent India in alpine skiing in the men’s slalom event. He is also India’s flag bearer, and this is his second Winter Olympics after competing in Beijing 2022.
Stanzin Lundup will compete for India in cross-country skiing in the men’s 10 km freestyle race. The 2026 Games will be his first Olympic appearance.
What to Expect from the Winter Olympics 2026 Games
The Winter Olympics 2026 will be held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22. You can expect exciting snow sports like skiing, skating, and bobsleigh, with athletes from many countries competing.
India has not won a Winter Olympics medal to date. India usually sends very small teams because winter sports need special infrastructure, snow facilities, and costly training, which are limited in most parts of the country today.
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