Leh, Jan 22 (NationPress) Seventeen-year-old Gauri Rai from Haryana achieved remarkable success at the inaugural leg of the 2026 Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG) held at Leh’s Nawang Dorjan Stobdan Stadium (NDS), securing a gold medal in the advanced figure skating division. This event marked the first inclusion of figure skating in KIWG's history, and Gauri, a resident of Gurugram, made her mark with an impressive performance.

Initially, like many aspiring athletes, Gauri started with roller skating. However, in 2017, her life took a significant turn when she witnessed a figure skating event at the Ambience Mall in Gurugram. “I had been roller skating for quite some time, but I was always drawn to a sport that combined speed and elegance. After attending the figure skating event, I knew my path was set. My journey took me from quads to in-line skating and finally to figure skating,” Gauri shared. In addition to her gold medal in KIWG, she also earned a silver at the United Arab Emirates Figure Skating Championship in Dubai in 2022.

Despite her triumph, Gauri admitted she wasn't fully confident heading into the competition. “I was struggling to catch my breath during my performance due to the altitude. I wasn't sure I'd finish first, but luck was on my side when my main competitor, Jessy Raj Mathrapu, fell, allowing me to take the gold,” she explained.

“My mother always believed I could win gold. Both of my parents were overjoyed. After the results were announced, we had a family video call where everyone was excitedly asking for a celebration,” Gauri reflected. She has also showcased her skills in countries like South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, and Bulgaria.

Currently studying at Manav Rachna International School in Gurugram, Gauri expressed her gratitude towards the Khelo India initiative for hosting such a well-organized event. “I'm thankful to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) for putting together this world-class competition. The ice surface at NDS is exceptionally smooth, and the facilities offered, including accommodation and transport, were top-notch. Media coverage from channels like DD Sports is crucial in promoting this emerging sport in India,” she noted.

Gauri believes that while figure skating is gaining traction in India, there’s still significant room for advancement. “Athletes from other countries train for 16 hours daily. We need more artificial ice surfaces, preferably Olympic-sized, as we currently only have two in India—one in Dehradun. This is essential for nurturing a higher caliber of skaters,” she asserted.

Looking ahead, Gauri aims to excel in an International Skating Union Seminar scheduled for March or April, which will assess her readiness for international competitions.