Indian Skiing Pioneer Thekkada Bhavani Claims International Medals

Thekkada Bhavani Nanjunda has made history as the first Indian woman to win international medals in cross-country skiing. Competing at the South American Cross-Country Skiing FIS Competition held in Corralco, Chile, in September 2023, she secured bronze medals in both the 5 km distance race and the 1.3 km sprint. This remarkable achievement not only brings pride to her hometown of Napoklu in the Kodagu district but also elevates India’s presence in winter sports.

Bhavani’s journey into the world of skiing began with her fascination for adventure sports. Growing up in a region where snow is rare, her path diverged from the more conventional aspirations of many young people in India. She credits her inspiration to the movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” which sparked her interest in the majestic Himalayas. Following this, Bhavani joined the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing during her college days, marking the start of her adventurous spirit.

From Local Ambitions to International Recognition

In 2014, Bhavani attended a mountaineering camp in Manali, her first experience with snow. This pivotal moment ignited her desire to explore skiing, leading her to pursue cross-country skiing. “The experience changed my life completely,” she said. “I wanted to explore the mountains more deeply and decided to take up skiing.”

Despite having no background in snow sports, Bhavani remained committed to her training. She initially honed her skills in India before traveling to New Zealand and then Europe, where she learned from experts and improved her technique. “It’s been a long and challenging journey,” she noted, highlighting the rigorous process of mastering such a demanding sport.

Bhavani has represented India at various prestigious international events, including the Nordic World Championships and the Asian Winter Games. Her dedication and hard work have made her a multiple medal winner at both the Khelo India Games and the National Skiing Championship.

Aiming for the Olympics and Inspiring Future Generations

The sense of pride Bhavani feels after winning international medals is palpable. “Standing on the podium with the Indian flag was one of the most special moments of my life,” she reflected. Her accomplishment serves as a testament to the potential of Indian athletes in winter sports, which has traditionally seen limited participation from the country.

Family support has played a crucial role in her journey. Bhavani expressed gratitude for her parents, Thekkada Nanjunda (Shambu) and Parvathi (Divya), who have been her biggest supporters despite initially not understanding the nuances of skiing. Her younger sister, Thekkada Seethamma, also contributes to her encouragement while working in Bengaluru.

Looking ahead, Bhavani has set her sights on qualifying for the **2026 Winter Olympics** in Italy. She aims to represent India on a global stage while advocating for greater awareness of winter sports and improved infrastructure in the country. “I hope to raise awareness about winter sports so the next generation has opportunities I didn’t have,” she said.

For young aspiring athletes, Bhavani has a simple yet powerful message: “Just start. Don’t wait for perfect conditions or ideal facilities.” Her journey from a small town to international recognition illustrates the importance of passion and perseverance.

Bhavani’s story is not just one of personal achievement; it is a beacon of hope for many young women and men in India who dare to dream beyond conventional paths.